Israel in Crisis: A Threat from Within – -Avlaremoz

On July 19, 2026, Rabbi Dov Lando, a senior member of Israel's Council of Torah Sages, vehemently denounced state-sanctioned killing, stating, "It is plain murder. They [the government] incite murder." This reflects a long-standing Haredi rejection of Zionism, viewing the state as not a "value" and its violence as punishment for violating Talmudic oaths. The Haredim, who constitute a significant and growing portion of Israel's Jewish population, largely live apart from mainstream society, maintaining their own institutions and largely refusing military conscription.

• A recent Basic Law declared Torah study a "foundational value," and another law granted temporary immunity to Haredi draft dodgers, though the High Court froze its implementation.
• This ongoing conflict over military service, coupled with reports of Haredim involved in espionage for Iran, has intensified animosity from secular Israelis.
• Many mainstream Israelis resent the Haredi exemption from military service, especially as the state faces soldier scarcity and increased emigration of younger, educated citizens.
• The Haredim's low scientific and technological education also poses a threat to Israel's high-tech industries, making their principled alienation a significant internal challenge for the Zionist state.