Religious Zionism chairman on Rabbi Landau's remarks: 'We cannot remain silent'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, addressed the harsh remarks of Rabbi Dov Landau against the religious-nationalist public during a conversation at the Hesder Yeshiva in Tefachot. Smotrich described a dilemma between the need to respond and respect for Torah sages, and presented the Religious Zionism perspective as a Torah that takes responsibility for the state.

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich addressed the storm caused by the remarks of Rabbi Dov Landau, leader of the Lithuanian community, who called wearers of knitted kippot 'inciters to murder,' during a conversation at the Hesder Yeshiva in Tefachot. Smotrich described a dilemma: 'On one hand, we cannot remain silent, and on the other hand, we cannot speak because we are careful with the embers of the sages.' He consulted with Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, who instructed him to recite the verse 'Guard your tongue from evil' on the eve of Tisha B'Av. Subsequently, Smotrich outlined the Religious Zionism perspective as a Torah that sees the State of Israel as redemption, takes responsibility for all state activities, and educates toward self-sacrifice. The background: Rabbi Landau harshly attacked the religious-nationalist public for promoting the conscription of Haredim, saying they are 'inciters to murder' and that their wars are 'for the honor of the state.' Smotrich did not directly respond to the content of the accusations but focused on the Torah path of his sector.