In light of the expulsion of Jews from Gaza and northern Samaria, theological questions have begun to appear online regarding a Torah observant Jew's relationship toward the IDF and state institutions. 

Recently, the "humiliating and inhuman treatment of the residents of Gush Katif displayed by IDF soldiers in the context of the Disengagement" was the topic of a series of questions on the "Yeshiva" Hebrew-language web site.



Rabbi Ya'akov Ariel, chief rabbi of Ramat Gan, was asked whether communities should continue to recite the prayer for the welfare of the State of Israel and whether the blessing for IDF soldiers should continue to be said.



Rabbi Ariel answered that the prayer for the welfare of the state should continue to be recited, "even more fervently," with added emphasis on granting ministers and advisors sound advice "and even add a supplication to grant them more merciful hearts and more humane attitudes."



The rabbi did suggest adjusting the Mi SheBeirach prayer for IDF soldiers, however. "I recommend that the prayer for the well being of IDF soldiers omit the clause, '...and send blessing and success in all the work of their hands.' Not all of the hands of the IDF's soldiers are worthy of blessing and success - only those that fight against our external enemies," Rabbi Ariel said.