Haaretz Opinion: How Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Shifted From Pacifism to Supporting Military Offensive

A Haaretz opinion piece by Benny Rabinowitz examines the dramatic ideological transformation within Israel's ultra-Orthodox community since the outbreak of conflict with Iran. Historically, leading rabbinical authorities like Moshe Feinstein counseled pacifism and prayer for peace during wartime, but the community's leadership has now moved to openly endorse Israeli military action. The shift reflects a profound internal reckoning within ultra-Orthodox Judaism over questions of national security, military service, and the theological meaning of Israel's war against Iran.