New Book Warns of Extremist Messianic Movement Threatening Israel's Future

Dr. Dror Grinblat, a historian of the Jewish people, has launched a new book titled "A Time of Miracle, The Response of National-Religious Rabbis to October 7th." In it, Grinblat argues that the national-religious movement, or "Hardalut," has become an extreme messianic ideology that poses a threat to Israel's future. Grinblat, who grew up in the national-religious sector, expresses deep concern over the direction taken by rabbis within this stream, particularly their interpretations of the October 7th attacks.

Grinblat's research highlights how some national-religious rabbis have claimed that the October 7th massacre was a necessary event to reconnect the Jewish people with the "redemption process." He cites Rabbi Haggai Lundin, who in a 2025 article suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent events were divinely orchestrated to prepare Israel for war and a change in leadership. Grinblat criticizes this view, noting that Lundin celebrated this "divine plan" while hostages were held in Gaza and soldiers were dying.

The book traces the origins of "Hardalut" to the early 1970s in Jerusalem, stemming from a desire for separate educational frameworks for boys and girls within the national-religious community. Over time, this movement has increasingly incorporated an active messianic ideology, moving beyond its initial focus on modesty and stricter religious observance. Grinblat contrasts this with earlier messianic expressions in Israeli history, such as after the Six-Day War, which he argues were more restrained and less apocalyptic.

Grinblat presents numerous quotes from rabbis, including Rabbi Uri Sharki and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, who have made controversial statements about the war in Gaza, suggesting that all Gazans are enemies and that a high death toll was necessary. He also includes remarks from Rabbi Eliyahu Mali and Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Zinni, which appear to advocate for extreme measures against the enemy. Grinblat distinguishes these statements from those made by public figures immediately after October 7th, emphasizing that the national-religious rabbis' views have been consistently articulated and deepened throughout 2024 and 2025, representing a "systematic doctrine of cruel war ethics."

In contrast, Grinblat highlights the views of Rabbi Yuval Sherlow, a prominent figure in the more liberal wing of the national-religious community. Sherlow emphasizes the need for ethical considerations and adherence to international laws of war, viewing war as a necessary evil rather than a divinely ordained event. Grinblat concludes by warning against the dangers of active messianism, drawing parallels to historical movements like the Sabbatean movement and the Bar Kokhba revolt, which he argues led to catastrophic outcomes.