Haredi Party Criticizes Netanyahu for Condemning Rabbi Lando's Remarks on Religious Zionists

Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strong condemnation of Rabbi Dov Lando's harsh criticism of the Religious Zionist community, the Haredi political party Degel HaTorah issued a response defending Rabbi Lando and criticizing Netanyahu. Degel HaTorah emphasized that the words of Torah sages are sacred to the Jewish people and warned Netanyahu against hastily interpreting or attacking them, stating, "Whoever does not live the world of Torah and does not understand the depth of their words should refrain from quick judgments, and certainly from attacking them. Be cautious with their embers."

The controversy began after Rabbi Lando, a leader in the Lithuanian Haredi community, sharply criticized the Religious Zionist sector during a meeting with the heads of the Mir yeshiva, who had come to thank him for his fundraising efforts in the United States. Rabbi Lando accused the Religious Zionists, particularly those wearing knitted kippot, of supporting wars that are not meant to save lives but rather to honor the state, calling their actions "incitement to murder." He claimed that sending soldiers to fight in such wars constitutes murder and that the Religious Zionists operate under a misguided ideology that elevates the state as a supreme value.

Nearly a day after these remarks sparked public uproar, Netanyahu responded by firmly rejecting Rabbi Lando's statements, calling them "shocking" and emphasizing his support for IDF soldiers from all sectors, including Religious Zionists, secular, and Haredi. Netanyahu praised the soldiers for risking their lives to protect Israel and called for full backing and appreciation from all parts of society, including the Torah world.

This exchange highlights tensions between segments of the Haredi community and the Religious Zionist sector, with political and religious leaders weighing in on the sensitive issue of military service and ideological divides within Israeli society.