Journalist Calls to Dismantle 'Haredi State Within Israel'

A confrontation in Modi'in involving IDF soldiers attempting to apprehend a Haredi draft dodger has reignited the contentious debate over military conscription. Haaretz reporter Josh Breiner described the scene on X, stating that IDF soldiers were escorted by police from a building after failing to arrest the individual. Breiner reported that hundreds of Haredim gathered, preventing the soldiers from leaving with the draft dodger, who was subsequently released. During the incident, protesters reportedly shouted "Nazis" at the soldiers.

Journalist Ben Caspit reacted strongly to the event, linking it to the political landscape. He argued that the protesters are "main partners in Netanyahu's coalition" and referenced recent controversial remarks by Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Lithuanian Haredi community, who reportedly criticized Zionism. Caspit called for a fundamental change in the relationship with the Haredi sector, stating, "We need to dismantle the Haredi state that has arisen within us and at our expense, and integrate it into the State of Israel." He added that those who do not agree should not participate in the system, "neither in their duties nor in their rights."

Earlier, Rabbi Lando had reportedly caused a significant stir with statements criticizing religious Zionist fighters, claiming they were killed because their rabbis taught them "distorted Torah."