Netanyahu Condemns Degel HaTorah Leader's Criticism of Religious Zionist Soldiers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned remarks made by Rabbi Dov Lando, leader of the Degel HaTorah party and the Lithuanian Jewish community, who harshly criticized Religious Zionist IDF soldiers. Rabbi Lando accused these soldiers of "aiding murder" during a meeting with heads of the Mir Yeshiva, stating that soldiers wearing knitted kippahs who kill in the name of the state are essentially inciting murder. He argued that wars fought for state honor rather than salvation are unjust.

Netanyahu, without naming Rabbi Lando, wrote on his X account that he vehemently rejects these shocking statements against IDF soldiers from all sectors, religious, secular, and ultra-Orthodox, who risk their lives to protect Israel and its people. He emphasized that these soldiers deserve deep appreciation, gratitude, and full support from all parts of society, including the Torah world.

Degel HaTorah responded to Netanyahu's condemnation by defending their leaders' words as sacred and warned against misinterpreting or attacking them. Meanwhile, Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Israel Beiteinu, condemned Rabbi Lando's comments as horrific and called on the government to immediately denounce these statements, criticizing the government for being influenced by Shas and United Torah Judaism leaders.

This controversy highlights tensions within the Israeli religious community regarding military service and differing views on the role of Religious Zionist soldiers in the IDF. The debate is ongoing, with political and religious leaders sharply divided over the issue.