Israeli Politicians Condemn Rabbi Lando Over Controversial Anti-Zionist Remarks

Political uproar erupted in Israel following the publication of archival remarks by Rabbi Dov Lando, a prominent leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community. In a recording broadcasted by Keshet 12, the 96-year-old rabbi fiercely criticized religious Zionism during a meeting held amid the Gaza war, claiming that religious Zionists caused Arabs to hate Israel.

Rabbi Lando's Controversial Remarks

Discussing the heavy casualties suffered by religious Zionist soldiers during Operation Iron Swords, Rabbi Lando stated that fighters were dying because their rabbis taught them a distorted version of Torah. He also questioned the necessity of a sovereign state, suggesting that life under UN governance or peaceful coexistence with Arabs without a Jewish state might have been preferable.

"The Zionists caused the Arabs to hate us, they brought the disasters," Rabbi Lando remarked, while also launching harsh criticisms against secular Israelis, accusing them of establishing a state of apostasy.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

The remarks drew swift and severe condemnation across the political spectrum, particularly from opposition leaders who targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition reliance on ultra-Orthodox factions.

• Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Yashar!, strongly condemned the statements, calling them anti-Zionism at its peak and questioning a government that sends soldiers to battle while relying on such political support.

• Naftali Bennett, leader of the Be-Yachad alliance, denounced the remarks as disgraceful and accused the government of funding communities that evade military service.

Political analysts note that the leaked remarks could further inflame tensions surrounding military draft exemptions and the broader relationship between the ultra-Orthodox sector, the secular majority, and the religious Zionist military backbone.