Rabbi Lando’s Remarks on Religious Zionism Draw Criticism Amid War; Netanyahu Bloc Faces Scrutiny

Rabbi Yossi Lando, a prominent figure associated with the Torah flag movement within the Netanyahu-led government, made remarks that drew sharp criticism, according to a report from ynet.co.il. That report says the remarks criticized religious Zionism and suggested it contributes to anti-Israel sentiment. It also says the remarks were republished and that the resulting storm followed their republication. The report gives no specific date or location for the original remarks.

According to the ynet.co.il report, Lando said, “they made the Arabs hate us,” and that people are “getting killed because their many are teaching it a distorted Torah.” The report presents these words as the core of the controversy.

A separate report from srugim.co.il, headlined as a claim about religious Zionist fighters being killed for a “distorted Torah,” describes Lando as a public leader from Lithuania. That report says his remarks suggested religious Zionist fighters were dying because of such a distortion. It also says he expressed a view that it would have been preferable for the State of Israel not to have been formed, with the population remaining under British Mandate rule. According to the same report, Lando suggested the Netanyahu government had sent fighters into battle, resulting in significant loss of life. Grief over lost lives calls for compassion toward the bereaved (Psalm 34:18). He called on Zionist parties that prioritize the State of Israel and its security to distance themselves from any party that contributes to such outcomes.

Reactions reported by ynet.co.il included comments from former defense minister Yossi Eisenkot, who linked Lando’s statements to the broader political landscape and to the influence of the Netanyahu government. Government member Yariv Levin criticized the remarks, calling them “shame and disgrace.” The report says Netanyahu’s support for Lando’s statements has intensified the controversy. Critics quoted in the report argue that such ideologies can exacerbate tensions amid ongoing conflicts with neighboring countries.

The srugim.co.il report also describes a response from an anonymous user, who questioned Lando’s understanding of historical and spiritual guidance. That user referenced the Holocaust and suggested that Lando and his followers consider emigrating to Britain. The report does not identify the commenter.

The srugim.co.il report says it is unclear whether the statements were made in a public forum, a private conversation, or a class setting. The ynet.co.il report likewise gives no date or location. Neither report clarifies the context or audience of the remarks.