Haredi Leaders Slam Finance Minister Smotrich Over Remarks on Redemption and Yeshivas
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Haredi leadership for their attitude towards Israel and "redemption processes," questioning how one can be Haredi today. Haredi politicians and the Degel HaTorah newspaper retaliated, with Yaakov Asher questioning Smotrich's own political standing and "Yated Ne'eman" comparing his actions against yeshivas to the British Mandate. The article suggests Smotrich used inaccurate data to deflect responsibility for Haredi draft evasion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized Haredi leadership's stance on Israel and "redemption processes."
- Haredi politicians and the Degel HaTorah newspaper launched a counterattack against Smotrich.
- Yaakov Asher questioned Smotrich's political relevance and his right to criticize Haredi leaders.
- The "Yated Ne'eman" newspaper accused Smotrich of waging war on yeshivas, comparing him to the British Mandate.
- The article suggests Smotrich used inaccurate data to deflect responsibility for Haredi draft evasion.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich sharply criticized the Haredi leadership on Monday, accusing them of being "ungrateful to God" and questioning their stance on the State of Israel and "redemption processes." Speaking at a Channel 7 event, Smotrich stated, "I don't understand how one can be Haredi today. The Zionist enterprise is succeeding, is there a greater proof of redemption?" He also addressed Lithuanian Haredi leader Rabbi Dov Lando regarding his remarks about religious Zionist soldiers, saying, "I will pray that he repents."
In response, Haredi politicians and the Degel HaTorah party newspaper launched a counterattack against Smotrich, just two weeks before elections. Smotrich, who opened his mouth against our dear public and against the greatest of Israel, you needed Feiglin to pass the electoral threshold. Who are you telling to repent?!"
The newspaper "Yated Ne'eman," the official organ of Degel HaTorah, also attacked Smotrich, suggesting a potential separation from the bloc. The paper accused him of seeking votes by "lashing out at the leaders of the Haredi public" and stated, "The British Mandate did not wage war against the yeshiva world as Smotrich and his friends are doing in the name of 'redemption.' Even an Arab regime wouldn't!" The newspaper questioned the nature of a "redemption" pursued by Zionism and added, "Even if he studies all his days, he will not reach the tip of the iceberg of what a child in cheder knows."
Behind Smotrich's remarks, the article suggests, are inaccurate data and an attempt to shift blame for the issue of Haredi enlistment away from himself and onto the army, framing criticism of draft evasion as mere "pain."
Mentioned
