Haredi Leader Dov Lando Criticizes Religious Zionists Amid Political Tensions Ahead of Israeli Elections
In the lead-up to the Israeli elections, Rabbi Dov Lando, spiritual leader of the Lithuanian Haredi community, sparked controversy by harshly criticizing Religious Zionist soldiers. He accused them of inciting murder and waging wars not for salvation but for national honor, calling their actions "murder". His remarks, made publicly and recorded, ignited a political firestorm lasting about 24 hours, with opposition parties condemning him and Prime Minister Netanyahu criticizing the statements without naming Lando directly. Religious Zionist leader Bezalel Smotrich responded defensively.
Rabbi Lando refused to apologize and further attacked those who claimed to understand his words, accusing them of distortion and misunderstanding. The debate highlighted a broader divide between the Haredi community and the Religious Zionist camp, with Lando representing a conservative, separatist worldview that opposes secular education and Zionist politics, yet pragmatically participates in political coalitions.
Commentators note that despite his anti-Zionist rhetoric, Lando’s stance aligns with a traditional Jewish anti-messianic, exile-accepting philosophy rooted in Talmudic teachings. This contrasts with the Israeli left, which also opposes military solutions but from a humanistic and integrationist perspective. The article suggests that both the Haredi community and the Israeli left share a pragmatic approach to life in Israel, opposing expansionist and militaristic visions promoted by the Religious Zionist right.
The piece calls for a broad left-center coalition including Haredim and Arab parties like Mansour Abbas, emphasizing shared values of community service and moderation. It warns against the influence of messianic nationalism and urges Israel to rebuild as a sovereign but non-messianic state aware of its limits. The historical context of Jewish exile ideology and anti-rebellion oaths from Talmudic sources is cited to explain the Haredi worldview opposing Zionist messianism.
The article closes with a hope for a peaceful, bounded Israeli state and a Shabbat greeting from the author, Professor Ruhama Weiss, who frames the controversy within longstanding Jewish theological and political traditions.
