Rabbi Dov Lando Clarifies Controversial Remarks on Religious Soldiers Amid Backlash

Rabbi Dov Lando, a leading figure in the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community, sparked controversy this week after stating that religious-nationalist soldiers "incite murder" and wage wars not for salvation but for national honor. His comments, made during a private meeting with heads of the Mir Yeshiva, were widely criticized, including a strong rejection from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, however, was cautious not to directly confront the rabbi.

On Monday, Rabbi Lando addressed the backlash at a gathering of community rabbis, asserting that his words were misunderstood and taken out of context. He emphasized that the distortion of his statements was due to "hatred of the peoples of the lands" and urged caution during the upcoming "bein hazmanim" period, when yeshiva students are on break and may encounter non-Haredi individuals. He warned against ideological disputes, especially with those who, under the guise of faith, persecute Torah scholars and fail to grasp the traditional views of great rabbis like the Chazon Ish and Rabbi of Brisk.

The original remarks criticized the religious Zionist community and their military service in the IDF, accusing them of participating in unjust wars that serve state honor rather than genuine defense. Rabbi Lando described the enlistment of religious-nationalist soldiers as complicity in murder, stating, "If the state sends soldiers to kill for the honor of the country, is that permitted? It is outright murder. They incite murder."

When asked about prayers for the current difficult situation, Rabbi Lando responded that they should pray for divine help and hoped the crisis would pass swiftly and peacefully.

The controversy highlights tensions within Israeli society between ultra-Orthodox and religious Zionist communities, especially regarding military service and national identity.