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IDF soldiers in uniform
Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

MKs okay Israeli textile preference bill

New proposal gives local factories preferential treatment in defense system bids, even if tender is 50% higher than international competitor. MK Yacimovich: No more uniforms from China

Israeli textile factories will be given a preferential treatment in upcoming security forces and the Interior Ministry bids for purchasing products for the IDF, police and prison service, according to a bill proposed by Knesset Member Shelly Yacimovich (Labor), which was approved by the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee at the Knesset on Sunday for second and third reading.

 

The bill states that Israeli textile factories will get preference in bids even if their tenders are 50% higer than the cheapest offer made by international competitor.

 

This proposal refers to many different products including cloths, uniforms and other items made from cloth such as tents.

 

The bill is expected to get final approval from the Knesset within the next few days, and the regulations for its implantation will be presented for approval within the 30 days after the Knesset gives it the green light.

 

Yachimovich has been working on this bill for the past four years. It had already been approved in the previous Knesset in a majority vote of 60 supporters, despite government objections (which requires at least 55 votes of support). Though since then, the MK has been secretly negotiating with government officials and the Manufacturers Association of Israel until reaching a full agreement as to the wording of the bill and its regulations.

 

This agreement allowed for the completion of the bill in the current Knesset according to the legal continuity regarding bills which had already been approved in the first reading in a previous Knesset. Though this legal continuity is only allowed if authorized by the Knesset.

 

Yachimovich said on Sunday that the agreement regarding content regulations was reached ahead of time and is expected to be approved in the next few weeks, allowing for an immediate and comprehensive implementation. She also emphasized this law, which will give preferential treatment to Israeli textile factories when it comes to manufacturing for the large defense system consumers will protect the jobs of thousands of factory employees and might create new job opportunities.

 

The MK stressed the national aspect of the bill – soldiers, policemen and prison guards will no longer wear uniforms made in China, but rather an exclusive 'blue and white' product.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 12.22.10, 07:57
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