IDF Chief of Staff Major General Benny Gantz has presented planned dramatic cutbacks, which include large scale restructuring, closing many units and firing thousands of IDF staff.
Sources in the IDF describe the cutbacks as unprecedented in the entire history of the IDF. The plan includes 3,000-5,000 layoffs over the next five years. Tank and artillery units will be closed down and even naval units. Yesterday it was published that a number of air force squadrons have already been closed due to the defense budget cut.
The IDF stresses that the cuts involve organizational changes that will adapt the army to the new regional reality. These changes rest on innovative technology and improved intelligence. The working assumption is that after the changes the IDF will be able to provide appropriate responses to regional threats.
Sources at the Ministry of Finance strenuously insist that that defense establishment is painting too intimidating a picture in order to persuade ministers to reduce the scope of the budget cut.
The IDF said in response, "The plan is built around the budgetary necessities defined by the political echelon alongside the growing needs of the IDF. As part of the plan, a number of changes in the various arms and divisions have been investigated. The IDF is rready and determined to implement its mission and continue to work for the security of the State of Israel's residents."
Yesterday's decision to close several squadrons has enraged Israel Air Force personnel because it includes squadrons with famous histories who were the backbone of the air force. "This is just the beginning" said a very senior source at the Ministry of Defense. "We must stop sticking our head in the sand. The public does not understand that we are about to have an earthquake. In effect when talking about 2013 and 2014, the defense establishment will face cuts of NIS 8 billion."
Two months ago the security cabinet headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided on a NIS 3 billion defense budget cut instead of the planned NIS 4 billion. Minister of Defense Moshe Ya'alon said at the time, "In the near future we will be forced to significantly reduce the amount of training, cut jobs and close units. The IDF is not cut off from the economic reality affecting us."
Gantz said, "Following the cut in the defense budget, we are forced to change and revise our work plan in all the IDF's arms and adapt the size and arrangement of our forces and its composition."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 11, 2013
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