MK Uri Maklev Condemns Combining Torah Study With Military Service in Harsh Speech

On Monday, MK Uri Maklev of the Degel HaTorah party sharply criticized the approach of integrating Torah study with military service during a speech to yeshiva students. Maklev identified this approach, promoted by the Religious Zionist community, as a major problem facing the ultra-Orthodox public. He stated, "This is something that will not be forgiven," referring to the political figures who advocated for combining Torah study with service, saying, "They said we can learn Torah but also do other things, and this is the great damage we are dealing with."

Maklev's remarks sparked a response from Rabbi Chaim Navon, who referenced a Talmudic teaching from Rabbi Yossi in Tractate Yevamot: "Anyone who says I have only Torah, even Torah he does not have." Navon added that the Religious Zionists were the ones who opened the Talmud and exposed what they see as flaws in Maklev's position, concluding with an apology for that exposure.

This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between the ultra-Orthodox and Religious Zionist communities regarding the role of Torah study and military service in Israeli society, reflecting broader debates about religious identity and civic duty.