Ultra-Orthodox Paper Slams Finance Minister Smotrich Over Remarks

The ultra-Orthodox newspaper 'Yated Ne'eman', the official organ of the Degel HaTorah party, launched an unprecedented attack on Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday. The harsh editorial criticized Smotrich for his remarks against the Lithuanian leader and Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Dov Landau.

The article accused Smotrich of crossing all political red lines, comparing his actions against Torah scholars to the harsh policies of the British Mandate government and even an Arab regime. The editorial stated that Smotrich, despite his own limited knowledge, "dared to speak with extreme rudeness towards the great rabbis of Israel." It further claimed that Smotrich exploited the ultra-Orthodox community's support when it served his political agenda, but now seeks to gain political capital at the expense of the "leaders of the generation."

The newspaper asserted that Smotrich "knew well where to find the ultra-Orthodox finger" when he needed their support, but is now "ready to step on the hand that was extended to him" when seeking future votes. The editorial questioned the "redemption" claimed by Religious Zionism, stating that its actions are "the beginning of our redemption's fall."

In response to Smotrich's comments, Degel HaTorah declared it is no longer part of the right-wing bloc. The newspaper concluded that Smotrich's behavior has "well explained why the forced but long-standing connection has been torn apart." Degel HaTorah stated its position as a separate bloc, "a bloc of Torah," distinct from both right-wing and left-wing factions that it views as hostile to Torah.

The editorial was prompted by Smotrich's recent statements against Rabbi Dov Landau, a prominent figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community.