Rabbi Dov Lando, the spiritual leader of the Haredi Degel Hatorah faction in Israel, accused the religious Zionist community of waging wars that were not for Israel's protection. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned these remarks, stating that soldiers deserve full support from the public and the world of Torah.

Lando questioned the morality of military actions taken in the name of national honor. "If the country sends people, soldiers, in the name of the country's honor, and they kill people, is that also allowed?" he asked. He characterized these actions as murder, asserting that the community was inciting violence.

"It's simply murder. So they're inciting to murder, that's what they're doing," Lando said.

Netanyahu responded by showing the sacrifices made by members of the Israel Defense Forces across all sectors of society. "IDF soldiers - religious, secular, and ultra-Orthodox - leave their homes, their work, and their families and risk their lives to defend the State of Israel, its citizens, and the entire people of Israel," the Minister said. He emphasized that these individuals merit widespread gratitude. "They deserve deep appreciation, gratitude, and full support from every part of the public, and certainly from the world of Torah as well," Netanyahu added.

The Degel Hatorah faction issued a statement responding to the Minister's criticism. The faction defended the authority of its leadership, warning against external interpretation of their positions. The statement concluded with a cautionary note regarding the consequences of attacking Torah scholars.

Lando's comments followed his instruction to Haredi students earlier in July 2026 not to cooperate with the IDF or respect drafting orders. He cited a historical understanding with army authorities that yeshiva students would not be drafted as the basis for this stance. Lando argued that the High Court of Israel has declared war against the world of Torah, altering the previous arrangement. He stated that ultra-Orthodox men should no longer cooperate with the IDF because it is subject to the High Court ruling.

The exchange shows tensions between religious authorities and the state regarding military service and national security policy. Lando's accusation that religious Zionists are inciting murder through military actions challenges the mainstream narrative of IDF operations as defensive measures. His call for non-cooperation with the military represents a significant departure from historical arrangements between yeshiva students and army authorities.

Netanyahu's condemnation reflects the government's position that military service is a shared responsibility across all segments of Israeli society. The Minister's emphasis on unity and support for soldiers contrasts with Lando's characterization of the conflict as a war against Torah values. The Degel Hatorah faction's response reinforces the insulation of religious leadership from political criticism, citing the sanctity of Torah scholars' words. This dispute occurs within the broader context of ongoing debates over conscription exemptions and the role of religious institutions in state affairs.