Barak: We informed Syrians of IDF drill
In visit to northern communities, defense minister says clear message was passed to Syrians regarding nature of ongoing IDF training maneuver, pledges he will secure tax breaks for reserve soldiers
In a meeting with security chiefs of communities situated along Israel's northern border Tuesday morning, Defense Minister Ehud Barak discussed the current state of affairs with Syria and the status of soldiers
serving in reserves.
"Compared to the tension that we felt at the end of the summer, we are currently experiencing a cooling-off period. In preparation for the army exercises that will be conducted this week, we passed on clear messages to the Syrians, in order to prevent any other interpretations of the nature of the drill," Barak said.
In reference to the recent military operations in the Gaza Strip, Barak said: "Everyday that passes brings us closer to a broad military operation in the Strip. We would be happy if the circumstances succeed in preventing such a mission."
The defense minister met with high school students from the Hula Valley that are getting ready for their mandatory induction into the IDF in a meeting that was held in Kfar Blum. Barak told them that "one of our most important goals is to lower the number of draft dodgers."
The former prime minister also addressed the issue of soldiers in the reserves: "We will act to grant reserve soldiers, who are required by law to serve in the military but who are in actuality volunteers - the benefits and breaks on things like municipal taxes and day-care center fees and other state fees such as income tax.
"There is no argument regarding the importance of IDF service and defending the citizens within Israeli various borders," Barak said.
Since being appointed as defense minister in June, Barak has maintained a close relationship with the leaders of northern communities and updates them regularly on the security situation with Lebanon and Syria.
