Rabbi Yitzhak Zilberstein, a prominent rabbi and member of the Council of Torah Sages, has clarified recent reports that misrepresented his statements regarding leaving Israel on Shabbat to avoid military service. During a Torah class, Rabbi Zilberstein explained that his comments were hypothetical, referring only to a scenario where a government bans Torah study, which is not the case in Israel. He emphasized that authorities in Israel do not prevent Torah study and that his remarks were not intended as guidance for current circumstances.

Rabbi Zilberstein also addressed concerns from listeners, firmly denying that he advised desecrating Shabbat to avoid enlistment. He responded to a claim that his words had led someone to violate Shabbat, stating that such an interpretation was mistaken. Additionally, the rabbi affirmed that young men not dedicated to Torah study should enlist in the military, specifically mentioning the battalion designed for those from religious backgrounds who combine service with study.