A group of senior Religious Zionist rabbanim has issued a public letter strongly opposing the use of arrests and forceful enforcement measures against yeshiva students, warning that such steps are deepening divisions and making enlistment less likely.

The statement was issued by the Torat HaAretz HaTovah rabbinical organization under the title “Not by Might, Nor by Power,” amid the escalating dispute over enforcement against yeshiva students.

“The rabbanim of Torat HaAretz HaTovah completely reject the use of arrests and heavy-handed conduct toward yeshiva students,” the letter states. “These actions deepen the division and lack of trust, and do not bring soldiers into the army, but only further distance the possibility of enlistment.”

The rabbanim also called on all sides to avoid actions that harm the broader public and condemned all forms of violence, including verbal violence. “Every form of violence, including verbal violence, deepens the crisis and prevents a solution to this painful issue,” they wrote.

The letter concludes: “Only respectful and substantive dialogue will bring about a practical solution.”

The statement was signed by senior Religious Zionist rabbanim, including Rabbi Yaakov Ariel, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, along with many others.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)