01.08.2011                      01.Aw-Elul, 5771

Sicherheit:

IDF chief warns budget cuts may impede Israel's defense abilities

Benny Gantz says IDF will agree to cuts in defense budget in favor of increased spending on social services, but warns that it may impede IDF's ability to counter threats.

IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz acknowledged Sunday that Israel’s defense budget may be cut due to the public demand for increased spending on social services, but warned that a reduced defense budget may compromise Israel's ability to face threats.
During a meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense committee on Sunday, Gantz said that the IDF will not oppose government attempts to cut defense spending but warned that a reduced budget may compromise Israel’s ability to face certain military challenges. “We will present all our needs in the face of challenges posed,” Gantz said, “but we will accept any budget cuts demanded by the government.”…