Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman
Photo: Gil Yohanan
The Foreign Ministry's next cadet course for future diplomats will adhere to Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's instructions to favor Israelis who served in the IDF or performed national service, Ynet learned Thursday.
Lieberman, who has been pushing for government approval on the matter for months, received word from the attorney general that the approval was unnecessary and decided to move forward without it, Foreign Ministry officials said.
Controversial Opinion
Ynet learns of demand made by FM during meeting with senior ministry officials: Anyone who has not served in army or completed national service will not be able to represent Israel abroad. In other words, Arabs and haredim will not be accepted into Israeli Foreign Service
"Our stance is that there is nothing preventing the Foreign Ministry from implementing the arrangement proposed in the motion on this issue, in accordance with the limitations mentioned in the motion," Deputy Attorney General Orit Koren wrote to the Ministry.
Upon receiving the memo, officials say, Lieberman decided to accept only former troops and those who performed national service to the prestigious course for future diplomats.
"It is only proper that those who represent the state identify with it, contribute to it with their capabilities, and are familiar with all of its systems," the foreign minister said.
Lieberman's affiliates say his aim is also to encourage Arabs and haredim to perform national service and then go on to represent Israel. He has also vowed to attempt to alter any laws that interfere with the new orders.
However, the attorney general permitted the Ministry to implement the orders because so far they do not violate any laws.