Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday strongly rejected comments made by Maran Rav Dov Landau regarding IDF soldiers, particularly members of the Religious Zionist community.
Netanyahu praised all Israeli soldiers and said the remarks were unacceptable. "I strongly reject the shocking statements made against IDF soldiers from the Religious Zionist community. IDF soldiers, religious, secular, and charedi, leave their homes, their jobs, and their families, and risk their lives to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and the entire Jewish people.
"They deserve profound appreciation, gratitude, and full support from every segment of the public, and certainly also from the Torah world," Netanyahu said.
The Degel HaTorah faction issued a statement Monday defending Rav Landau's comments. "The words of the great Torah sages are the holiest of holies for the Jewish people, and we live by their guidance." The party called on the public to refrain from hastily interpreting or criticizing statements by the gedolim.
The controversy followed remarks by Rav Landau released Sunday night that sharply criticized government officials and Religious Zionist leaders who advocate that yeshiva students enlist in the IDF. Rav Landau characterized those promoting military service as "Wicked people," including those among Religious Zionists, and argued that Religious Zionist leaders who encourage enlistment are promoting "Actual murder," asserting that soldiers are sent into battle "Not only for the sake of saving lives, but also for the honor of the state."