Ex-senior officer: Give haredim 10 year military exemption
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Former IDF manpower branch chief Brigadier General (Res.) Elazar Stern suggested that haredim be offered a 10 year exemption from military service.
Stern explained: "If we let them do what they want, within three years – 50% will leave the yeshivas." According to Stern, The move might save the State NIS 1.5 billion ($400 million) "not because of the benefit cuts but because "their contribution to the national gross product and standard of living is critical." (Shiri Hadar)
