Yisrael Beiteinu: Triple IDF discharge bonus

Proposal follows bill stipulating preference for discharged troops in public posts, deemed discriminatory by attorney general

Moran Azulay|Published: 06.21.11 , 18:07

Yisrael Beiteinu wants to increase monetary benefits given to discharged soldiers who served a full three-year term in the army.

The party has previously proposed a bill giving preference to discharged soldiers who apply for positions in public service – a bill which sparked criticism by Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein.

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The new bill is aimed partly at bypassing the critique. It stipulates that soldiers who served three years will receive NIS 26,988 ($7,800), which is triple the current sum.

"In this way those who chose to give three years of their lives voluntarily to military service can begin their civilian lives with maximum economic welfare," wrote MK Moshe Matalon (Yisrael Beiteinu) in his explanation of the bill.

"Increasing the discharge bonus is a justified affirmative action. We are charged with the important mission of maintaining and strengthening the Israeli military."

Last week Weinstein asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to oppose the first bill proposed by Yisrael Beiteinu, which stipulated discharged soldiers would be preferred for public posts, claiming that it was discriminatory.

Weinstein claimed he could not defend the law in court and that the High Court of Justice would eventually order its repeal. He added that the High Court recognizes the importance of military service and has previously determined that soldiers should receive fair pay.

In response, Yisrael Beiteinu announced that despite the respect the party has for the attorney general, it would continue to promote laws in the same vein.