Rabbi Dov Lando claims statements against Israel's wars were 'distorted'

Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual leader of the haredi Degel Hatorah political faction of United Torah Judaism, claimed to have been misinterpreted on Monday night, after a recording of him attacking the religious Zionist community had been widely condemned 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 incendiary words had been said during a private conversation, and had been “reacted to with distortion and a complete lack of understanding.”On Monday, Lando had accused the religious Zionist community of waging wars that were not for Israel's protection.Degel Hatorah spiritual leader Rabbi Dov Lando talks 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's simply murder. So they're inciting to murder; that's what they're doing.”Netanyahu condemns Lando's statements on IDFPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Lando's words, saying that IDF soldiers deserve gratitude and appreciation.Degel Hatorah later responded to Netanyahu, warning him not to attack the spiritual leader.