Senior rabbi maintains comments criticizing religious Zionists' IDF service were taken out of context

We may encounter people who differ from our way of life, and it is imperative to be careful of any arguments with them regarding our differing views, he stated at a conference for community rabbis.

ByTZVI JASPER

JULY 21, 2026 09:43

Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual head of the hassidic Degel Hatorah political faction, asserted Monday evening that his words had been misunderstood following widespread backlash over a recording in which he criticized the religious Zionist community earlier that day.

We may encounter people who differ from our way of life, and it is imperative to be careful of any arguments with them regarding our differing views, he stated at a conference for community rabbis.

Our views are clear to us from our rabbis, he explained, and in particular we must be very careful of arguments with people who, under the cover of their faith, persecute the Torah and those who learn it, and are unable to understand and deepen our views, which was the view of our great rabbis.

According to Lando, his controversial remarks occurred during a private discussion and were met with distortion along with a total lack of understanding.

On Monday, Lando had charged that the religious Zionist community was pursuing wars unrelated to Israel's defense.

Degel Hatorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando speaks at a conference for community rabbis, July 20, 2026. (Credit: Via Walla)

If the country sends people, soldiers, in the name of the country's honor, and they kill people, is that also allowed? he questioned. It is simply murder. So they are inciting to murder, that is what they are doing.

Netanyahu condemns Lando's statements on IDF

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Lando's comments, noting that IDF soldiers merit thanks and respect.

Degel Hatorah later replied to Netanyahu, cautioning him against targeting the spiritual leader.