Top Rabbi Sparks Outrage With Anti-Zionist Remarks

A political storm erupted in Israel following sharp remarks made by Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading figure in the Lithuanian Haredi community. In a recording broadcast by Channel 12, Rabbi Lando was heard criticizing Zionism and the State of Israel, stating it would have been preferable had the state never been established. He also commented on religious Zionist soldiers, suggesting they were dying because their rabbis taught them "distorted Torah" and that some of their actions were performed "for the honor of the state."

The comments drew widespread condemnation from the opposition. Yair Lapid, chairman of Yesh Atid, called Rabbi Lando's words a "disgrace to every Jew" and stated that anyone who belittles the sacrifice of religious Zionist IDF soldiers cannot be part of any Israeli government. Lapid added that after the elections, the Haredi parties would be "removed from power along with their dark views."

Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of "Yisrael Beiteinu," also sharply criticized the rabbi, condemning the "vile words" as "the embodiment of anti-Zionism." He expressed shame that the government was sending soldiers into battle while relying on such sentiments and called on all Zionist parties to declare they would not sit in a government with parties holding such worldviews.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joined the criticism, calling the remarks "a disgrace and a shame." He described Rabbi Lando's statements as "anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist, and against the IDF." Bennett specifically addressed the comments about fallen religious Zionist soldiers, asserting they "fell to save us all," adding, "Without them, our enemies would have slaughtered us all, including the yeshiva students of Rabbi Lando." Bennett concluded by calling for an end to funding for those who do not enlist, stating, "He who evades [military service] will not receive a shekel from the State of Israel. Not a Zionist, not on my dime."