Israeli press review: 'Zionism does not fit our worldview,' says rabbi

Israeli ultra-Orthodox Jewish leader Rabbi Dov Landau recently issued a stern critique of Zionism in a letter to the editor of *Yated Ne'eman*. *Yated Ne'eman* is one of Israel's leading ultra-Orthodox newspapers. Landau's remarks have once again sparked discussion about the long-standing tensions between Zionism and ultra-Orthodox Judaism.

In his letter, Landau wrote, "Zionism is a movement aimed at placing the people of Israel on a completely secular foundation, and its essence is heresy and rebellion against the Kingdom of Heaven." He further added that cooperation with Zionists is "not permitted." Landau, the head of one of Israel's oldest yeshivas (Jewish seminaries), is well-known for his anti-Zionist views.

Israel Friedman, the editor of *Yated Ne'eman*, revealed the contents of Landau's letter in an interview and expressed his own anti-Zionist views. Friedman argued that Zionism attempts to create a "new Jew," which contradicts the values of ultra-Orthodox society. He emphasized, "Zionism does not conform to our worldview. The people of Israel have existed for 3,000 years, while Israelis have only existed for 80 years."

Friedman concluded, "We must continue on our own path, maintaining the walls of separation and estrangement." He was referring to the ultra-Orthodox way of life. It is worth noting that since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the question of whether ultra-Orthodox Jews should serve in the military has sparked fierce public debate in Israel.

For a long time, ultra-Orthodox individuals in Israel have been exempt from military service so that they can study in yeshivas, with these studies being state-funded. Recently, Israeli Housing and Construction Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf, leader of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, was filmed singing at a wedding, with lyrics including: "We do not believe in the rule of the heretics, and we will not appear in their draft offices" and "We would rather die than enlist." The video sparked criticism within Israel, including from within the far-right government, forcing Goldknopf to issue a public apology.

Kiryat Shmona, an Israeli city in northern Israel near the Lebanese border, has now become a "ghost town." A recent article published by Ynet news noted that shops in the city are closing down daily, and large shopping centers are abandoned, with reopening not expected until August. Business owners and entrepreneurs are struggling to cope with a lack of support and bureaucracy in order to obtain compensation.

One fabric store owner stated that most residents have not returned to the city and surrounding evacuated communities, and that he may only see one or two customers a day. Residents told Ynet that Kiryat Shmona, with a pre-war population of 24,000, was once the commercial center of northern Israel. However, due to hostilities along the border with Lebanon, the city is now being referred to as a "disaster area."

Kiryat Shmona Mayor Avichai Stern recently won re-election, but he has expressed doubt about the city's ability to return to normal. Zvika Zvili, Stern's deputy, said in an interview last month, "We were forced to return to Kiryat Shmona, and we do not feel safe." Zvili stated that only 60% of residents have returned to the city after being evacuated at the start of the war.

Israel's new Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, has been criticized by the Israeli media for failing to challenge the government's decision to resume the war. Upon taking office, Halevi was praised by politicians and journalists from across the political spectrum for his extensive military experience.

However, Yagil Levy, an expert in military-society relations at the Open University, recently wrote in *Haaretz* that the Chief of Staff is "anti-army." Levy argues that all previous Chiefs of Staff in Israeli history have strived to strengthen the army, but he "doubts" whether Halevi will continue to do so.

Levy stated, "Not only did Halevi not stand up to the politicians and oppose the resumption of the war in Gaza, but he is doing the opposite." The columnist argues that Halevi is ignoring the fatigue of the soldiers, the danger to the Israeli hostages, the deaths of Palestinians, and the protests against the far-right government's judicial reforms.

Another commentator for *Haaretz*, Zvi Barel, also criticized the army in the wake of the war's resumption. Barel wrote, "The new war that is spreading in Gaza is neither a defensive war nor a war of no choice. It is a political war." Barel claims that the plan for this new war was formulated even before US President Donald Trump took office.

He stated that Israel's far-right feels they now have a "historic opportunity" in both the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Barel added that no one would be surprised if the establishment of settlements in the Gaza Strip is also included as a war aim in the future. He concluded by asking whether an "army of the government" is being developed instead of an army of the people, and whether the soldiers' loyalty will soon be tested by their "willingness to kill and be killed."