Ultra-Orthodox Rabbi Dov Lando's anti-Zionist remarks have ignited a political storm ahead of Israel's October 27 parliamentary election. Lando, a spiritual leader of the Degel HaTorah party, suggested Jews might have been better off without a state and that soldiers adhering to 'Religious Zionism' were dying due to 'distorted Torah' teachings. He also stated that living well with Arabs is possible without a state, and international or Palestinian rule would be 'the best situation'. These comments, though first published in February 2025, resurfaced amid intense debate over ultra-Orthodox military service exemptions, putting Prime Minister Netanyahu in a difficult position as his ultra-Orthodox allies oppose conscription.