Rabbi Lando Clarifies Remarks on Religious Zionist IDF Soldiers Amid Controversy

Rabbi Dov Lando, a leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, issued a public clarification following widespread backlash over his comments about Religious Zionist soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces. He stated that his words were distorted by what he called "people of the lands," emphasizing that his views align with those of his revered teachers, including the Chazon Ish and Rabbi of Brisk, and warning against ideological disputes during the intermediate days of Jewish holidays.

The clarification came after a private recording surfaced in which Rabbi Lando appeared to criticize Religious Zionist soldiers, suggesting some support for actions he described as "wickedness" and questioning the permissibility of soldiers killing in the name of the state. These remarks sparked sharp condemnation from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who strongly rejected the statements and expressed full support for all IDF soldiers, including those from the Religious Zionist community. Netanyahu praised their sacrifice and called for unity and appreciation from all sectors of Israeli society, including the religious world.

Rabbi Lando stressed that his original comments were misunderstood and taken out of context, attributing the misrepresentation to hostility from outside groups. His clarification aims to quell the political and public storm ignited by the leaked conversation and reaffirm his respect for Torah scholars and the IDF soldiers defending Israel.