Zionist Rabbi Dov Landau Criticizes Zionism, Calls State Establishment a Disaster

Dov Landau, one of Israel’s most prominent rabbinical figures within the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community, has sparked significant controversy with his recent remarks. A leaked recording from a closed session of his has drawn sharp criticism, as he criticized Zionism and religious Zionism, arguing that the establishment of the State of Israel brought “material and spiritual disasters” to the Jewish people. Landau claimed that Zionists aimed to save the Jewish people but instead caused “disaster to the people of Israel.”

In the video, Landau expressed the view that Jews could have lived under United Nations administration or even under Arab rule, which he described as “excellent” scenarios. He further suggested that Zionism had contributed to Arab hatred toward Jews. Additionally, he criticized Zionist religious soldiers, stating that they were sent to war not for rescue but for a “distorted Torah” taught by their rabbis.

Landau’s remarks also targeted the Israeli government and military, describing the State as “the Shadma and the Kafr State,” a term that implies a state of disgrace and humiliation. His statements have been interpreted as a critique of the current political and military establishment, which he views as failing to protect Jewish interests.

The political backlash has been swift and severe. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naphtali Bennett condemned Landau, calling him “a disgrace and scandal” and labeling his statements as “anti-Semitic, anti-Shiunism and anti-Israeli army.” Bennett criticized the support of the Netanyahu government and the Saliem faction for Landau’s views, arguing that such support endangers national security.

Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eshel also denounced Landau’s comments, describing them as “a manifestation of anti-Zionism.” He expressed regret that the Netanyahu government had sent soldiers to battle, risking their lives, based on the views of figures like Landau. Eshel urged all Zionist parties concerned with Israel’s security to distance themselves from those promoting such ideologies.

Several Knesset members, including Yair Lapid, Benny Gantz, and Yair Golan, have also condemned Landau’s statements, calling them a “disgrace to every Jew.” They see the remarks as an opportunity for political opponents to attack Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his policies ahead of upcoming elections.

The controversy highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society, particularly between religious and secular, nationalist and critical, and political factions. As the debate continues, the implications for Israel’s political and religious landscape remain uncertain.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Arabic)