Rabbi Dov Landau Slams Bezalel Smotrich Over 'Ingratitude' Remarks

Lithuanian-Haredi spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Landau harshly criticized Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Wednesday, accusing him of "intentional public desecration of God's name" following Smotrich's remarks that ultra-Orthodox Jews are ungrateful to God. Rabbi Landau called on the public to vote for United Torah Judaism in the upcoming elections as a protest.

"People who call themselves observant come out publicly and say, God forbid, that there is no justification for being ultra-Orthodox in the Land of Israel," Rabbi Landau stated. "This is an intentional public desecration of God's name, and there is no need to answer him. But the duty is to act against this terrible desecration, and by voting for the 'Gimel' ballot, we declare in a loud voice: 'We have no-one to rely on except this Torah.'"

Rabbi Landau's remarks came in response to Smotrich's comments during a conversation with journalist Hagai Segal in Ofra, where the finance minister sharply criticized the ultra-Orthodox public's attitude toward the state and the Zionist enterprise.

"We appreciate our ultra-Orthodox brothers, and we also have arguments over what we disagree on," Smotrich said. "I think ultra-Orthodox people are ungrateful to God, and we have a sharp debate with them regarding the attitude toward the state and the processes of redemption. I don't understand how one can be ultra-Orthodox today. The Zionist enterprise is succeeding — is there any greater proof of redemption?"

Regarding the issue of ultra-Orthodox draft to the IDF, Smotrich added that it is a painful topic, but clarified that he does not believe change can be brought about through coercion. "The issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription is very painful. I think it won't work by force," he said, while emphasizing that he appreciates various aspects of Haredi society.