Political Outcry Over Rabbi's Harsh Criticism of IDF Chief and State

A major political controversy erupted following remarks by Rabbi Yosef Aryeh Yazdi, head of the Torah and Life kollel, who harshly criticized the IDF Chief of Staff and the state. Speaking at a protest in Bnei Brak, Yazdi condemned the military for imprisoning a soldier who left a note referencing the Messiah, calling the Chief of Staff "accursed" and accusing the army and state of promoting severe Torah violations.

In response, President Isaac Herzog issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing that even amid deep disagreements, there is no place for curses or disrespect toward the IDF's top commander. Herzog called on public leaders to maintain respectful and responsible discourse.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also denounced the inflammatory statements made against Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi, stressing that serious incitement against the IDF and its commanders is unacceptable despite internal disagreements.

The Shas party released a statement distancing itself from the extreme remarks made at the protest, clarifying that these views do not represent the opinions of its Council of Torah Sages and contradict the movement's traditional approach as taught by Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and expressed by Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef during the rally.