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Disabled IDF veterans
Photo: Yaron Brener

Disabled IDF veterans gear up for protest rally

Protesters to lead procession in Tel Aviv, urge PM Netanyahu to enact universal draft legislation

Hundreds of disabled IDF veterans are gearing up for a mass rally Saturday evening in Tel Aviv, with the aim of pressuring the government to enact a universal draft legislation that will equally distribute the burden of military service.

 

The veterans will gather at 8pm near the "sucker's tent" in Tel Aviv and stage a procession to Tel Aviv Museum, where they will hold a rally.

 

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In recent weeks, disabled IDF veterans have been staging protests aimed at improving their benefits. As part of their efforts, the veterans have demonstrated on a daily basis in front of the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv.

 

"We consider serving the state a supreme value," said Idan Kleinman, a disabled veteran. He said that the rally is "a historic opportunity" to promote universal army service.

 

Hours before the rally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he will convene the Likud faction on Sunday morning to discuss the Plesner Committee's recommendations regarding a universal draft legislation, even though he had ordered the dissolution of the commission earlier this week.

 

If the faction members agree to the recommendations, Netanyahu will meet with Minister Shaul Mofaz to discuss the formation of a committee that would draft the law.

 

Activists for an equal share of the burden responded to Netanyahu's statement saying that "(The prime minister) tries a new spin every day.

 

"There's nothing to talk about – there are recommendations that need to be passed into law immediately," the activists said.

 

"We don't need more members of Knesset to deal with this issue – we need leaders to make a decision. Netanyahu, we are no longer suckers. We won't accept any announcements – only actions. Tonight the Israelis who serve in the IDF, our parents, teenagers and all of us will send a clear message – there is no Tal Law 2, there is universal draft," the activists added.

 

 

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.07.12, 17:19
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