One of Israel’s prominent ultra-Orthodox religious leaders, 96-year-old Rabbi Dov Lando, has sparked intense public controversy following the release of a video recording featuring harsh criticisms of Zionism and the Israeli state. In the footage, Lando asserts that the ideology of Zionism brought physical and spiritual catastrophes upon the Jewish people while generating intense hostility from Arab populations. He suggests that Jewish residents might have experienced better circumstances under Palestinian or international governance without a sovereign state. Furthermore, Lando criticized soldiers belonging to the Religious Zionism movement and dismissed secular Israelis as having severed ties with traditional Judaism.
Dov Lando serves as the spiritual head of the Degel HaTorah faction, which forms part of the United Torah Judaism alliance currently backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition. As the leader of the Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox community in Israel and head of a traditional academy in Bnei Brak, Lando commands significant influence within his constituency. His political affiliation makes the ultra-Orthodox voting bloc a critical factor for the formation of future governments, particularly as legislative elections approach and debates intensify regarding military service exemptions for seminary students.
The released remarks triggered immediate condemnations from various political figures across the Israeli opposition. Key opposition leaders characterized the statements as extreme anti-Zionism and an insult to Jewish heritage, while criticizing the military policies supported by religious factions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has avoided addressing the latest controversy directly, though he previously rebuked the rabbi earlier in the year over disputes concerning military conscription policies for religious students.
Political analysts note that the unfolding controversy poses a difficult dilemma for Netanyahu's electoral strategy. Opponents argue that Netanyahu depends entirely on ultra-Orthodox factions for political survival and remains silent to protect his coalition's parliamentary support. However, alienating the religious leadership could jeopardize the prime minister's chances of securing the necessary majority in the upcoming parliamentary ballot, leaving his political future tied closely to leaders who openly question the foundational principles of Zionism.