Remarks made last week to a yeshiva tzibur at the Ohr Dovid Yeshiva in Bnei Brak has resulted in a media storm against Shas leader Minister of the Interior Eli Yishai, who blamed the failed Second Lebanon War on the fact that soldiers did not daven as they did during the June 1967 Six Day War for example, when there were visible miracles. He quoted the Rambam and sources that simply speak about the need for believing in Hashem and realizing where the Jewish People draw their strength from. He explained to talmidim that in 1967, soldiers placed their emunah in HaKadosh Baruch Hu and in the Second Lebanon War; they basically believed their own abilities would bring victory.

The minister’s remarks were met with a sharp angry response from many, including opposition leader Tzipi Livni, the heads of LIBI, the IDF soldiers’ welfare fund, bereaved parents and others.

On Wednesday, the morning after the remarks, Yishai explained, accusing the media of taking his remarks out of content, explaining that what he said was appropriate when addressing a yeshiva forum, seeking to explain that during the Second Lebanon War, the achdus and concern one for another that existed in 1967 simply did not exist.

The minister basically equated the IDF’s successes and failures with the tefilla of soldiers and this elicited the ire of many public officials and bereaved families. Yishai explained in his apology and clarification that he was genuinely sorrowed for causing any grief to those families who loved ones fell defending the nation.

Yishai also served in the IDF, from 1980-1983.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)