An influential Israeli ultra-Orthodox rabbi, Dov Lando, has sparked widespread controversy after criticising Zionism, describing the ideology as a source of disasters for the Jewish people.
The 96-year-old rabbi's comments have triggered strong reactions from Israeli politicians ahead of the country's October 27 legislative elections, with debates over military service and the political influence of the ultra-Orthodox community dominating the campaign.
According to Al Jazeera, Lando's remarks emerged in a recently released video recording containing comments he made about a year ago.
Who Is Dov Lando?
Lando is a prominent religious leader within Israel's Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Born in Poland, he heads a traditional Jewish religious academy, known as a yeshiva, in Bnei Brak, Israel.
He also serves as a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, a council of senior ultra-Orthodox rabbis, and is the spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah party.
The party belongs to the United Torah Judaism (UTJ) alliance, which is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition.
Rabbi Condemns Zionism
In the video, Lando argues that Zionism has contributed to hostility between Arabs and Jews and brought physical and spiritual suffering to the Jewish people.
He suggests that Jews could have lived peacefully alongside Arabs without establishing a Jewish state, adding that international or Palestinian rule might have been a better arrangement for Jews.
The veteran rabbi also criticises Religious Zionism, a movement within Orthodox Judaism that supports Zionism, arguing that its religious teachings encourage military service and contribute to soldiers' deaths.
He further attacks secular Israelis, claiming they have little connection to Judaism and describing the state they have established as one of religious apostasy and heresy.
Israeli Politicians React
Lando's statements have drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians, many of whom view his remarks as an attack on the ideological foundations of Israel.
Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yashar party and a potential opposition candidate for prime minister, described the comments as outrageous and representative of anti-Zionism.
Yair Lapid, head of the opposition in the Knesset, condemned the remarks as a disgrace to the Jewish people.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also criticised Lando, describing his comments as anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist and arguing that they undermined the Israeli military.
Netanyahu has yet to comment on the latest controversy, although he previously condemned similar remarks by Lando in July.
Controversy Could Affect Netanyahu's Election Prospects
The dispute could complicate Netanyahu's efforts to retain power in the October 27 elections.
Opposition politicians have called for the United Torah Judaism alliance to be excluded from any future governing coalition because of the controversy surrounding its spiritual leadership.
Yair Golan, leader of the Democrats party, accused Netanyahu of remaining silent because he depends on Lando and his political allies to maintain his government.
Golan argued that Netanyahu's political survival had become more important to him than Zionism, equality in military service and the lives of Israeli soldiers.
However, severing ties with United Torah Judaism could also weaken Netanyahu's chances of forming a government.
An October 5 poll by Israel's Channel 12 projected that the alliance would win eight parliamentary seats. Netanyahu's coalition is already facing a difficult election campaign and is polling below the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority.
Israeli affairs researcher Ehab Jabareen said Netanyahu faces a political dilemma: forcefully criticising Lando could alienate ultra-Orthodox voters, while remaining silent could allow his opponents to question his commitment to Zionism and national security.
The controversy therefore highlights the growing political tensions surrounding Zionism, religious authority and compulsory military service in Israel as the country approaches a decisive election.
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