10.08.2011                      10.Aw-Elul, 5771

Israelischer Sommer:

Barak: Protests are 'important', but Israel's defense budget shouldn't be cut

Defense Minister expresses objection to slashing defense budget, says ministry will contribute to effort by closing bases in order to free up land, giving benefits to newly released soldiers.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time about the nationwide cost-of-living protests that have been under way for the past three weeks.
"Social protest is an important and exciting phenomenon," Barak said during a tour of a Haifa naval base with outgoing navy chief Adm. Eliezer Marom. Barak said it is important to remember that the protest leaders are the ones who will fold up their tents in an emergency and report for reserve duty. "We must listen to them about changing priorities and strengthening the middle class and the poor," he said….