Rabbi Dov Lando, an influential ultra-Orthodox Jewish religious leader in Israel, has drawn attention for his sharp criticism of Zionism, arguing that the ideology has increased Jewish suffering and that Jews could have lived peacefully alongside Arabs without a separate state.

According to Al Jazeera, the 96-year-old Lando is a prominent figure in Israel’s hardline Lithuanian ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. He is the spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah political party and is associated with United Torah Judaism (UTJ), a partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition.

The remarks were heard in a video that recently circulated in Israeli media. According to reports, the footage dates back about a year. In the video, Lando says Zionism has fuelled hostility towards Jews among Arabs. He argues that the ideology has harmed Jewish life, both materially and spiritually. He also claims that Jews could have lived safely under international or Palestinian rule.

Lando also criticised compulsory military service and secular Israelis. He argued that some military operations conducted to preserve the state’s standing are inconsistent with the goal of protecting human life.

Several Israeli politicians have criticised his remarks. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot described the comments as anti-Zionist, while Yair Lapid called them “shameful” for Jews. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the statements.

According to the report, Netanyahu has yet to comment publicly on Lando’s remarks. Opposition leaders, however, have called for UTJ to be excluded from any future government. They accuse Netanyahu of relying on the religious party’s support to keep his coalition intact.

As Israel approaches its next national election, the question of whether religious students should be required to serve in the military has also become a major political issue. A poll cited in the report suggests that UTJ could win eight seats in parliament, potentially making its support significant in efforts to form the next government.

Sources: Al Jazeera, Prothom Alo