Outrage Over Rabbi Lando's Remarks Against Religious Zionists

Prominent political figures have reacted with outrage to statements made by Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Haredi-Lithuanian stream, which resurfaced on Tuesday. In a meeting approximately 18 months ago, Rabbi Lando sharply criticized Religious Zionism, stating, "They caused the Arabs to hate us." He further commented on the high number of Religious Zionist soldiers killed in the "Swords of Iron" war, saying, "These are being killed because their rabbis teach them distorted Torah." The 96-year-old rabbi also mused about the establishment of the state, suggesting, "I don't know what would have happened if there had been UN rule, maybe it would have been an excellent situation." He added, "It is possible without a state, to live well with the Arabs. To respect the Arabs."

Rabbi Lando, whose followers are a key part of the Netanyahu bloc, continued his tirades against secular Jews as well, stating, "Today's secular people are not the secular people I remember. They have no connection to Judaism, it is terrible and awful. They made a state of apostasy and heresy."

Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of Yishai!, condemned the remarks as "blatant anti-Zionism" and expressed shame that the Netanyahu government relies on such voices. He urged any Zionist party that values Israel's security to declare it will not sit with a party holding such views.

Naftali Bennett, Chairman of Together, called the statements "anti-Semitic, anti-Zionist, and against the IDF," accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich of supporting Rabbi Lando and providing his followers with billions of shekels. Bennett vowed to end this situation, stating that those who evade military service will not receive state funding and that he will not support anyone who is not a Zionist.