Israel's Election Eve: Apache Helicopter Deal Blocked Amidst Soldier Pay Debate
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israel's election eve is marked by the halting of a deal for 12 Apache attack helicopters, blocked by the Finance Ministry and the Attorney General due to proximity to elections. This occurs while combat soldiers receive minimal monthly pay, a key issue largely ignored by political campaigns. The decision raises questions about the government's priorities and military readiness, particularly in light of the October 7th attacks.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A deal for 12 Apache attack helicopters was halted by the Attorney General two weeks before Israeli elections.
- The Finance Ministry, led by Bezalel Smotrich, reportedly sought to block the helicopter acquisition.
- Combat soldiers receive approximately 691 shekels per month, with a total discharge bonus of 22,000 shekels.
- The low pay and lack of political attention to soldier compensation are causing significant frustration.
- Critics argue the helicopter deal blockage serves as an alibi for potential future failures in air force readiness.
A deal to purchase 12 Apache attack helicopters for the Israeli Air Force has been halted just weeks before elections, following a request by the Ministry of Finance to the Attorney General. The Ministry of Finance, led by Bezalel Smotrich, reportedly believes the funds could be better allocated elsewhere and sought to block the acquisition, which had been approved in principle by a ministerial committee in April. The Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, agreed that the deal could not be finalized so close to an election.
This decision comes amidst ongoing criticism of the Air Force's preparedness on October 7th, with some arguing that a larger fleet of attack helicopters could have mitigated the Hamas attack. The article suggests this blockage serves as an "alibi" for future failures, allowing officials to blame the Attorney General rather than their own decisions.
Meanwhile, the article highlights the low monthly service pay for combat soldiers, which stands at approximately 691 shekels (around $185 USD) for those in their third year of service, with a total discharge bonus of only 22,000 shekels after 26 months of combat. This issue has not been a prominent part of election campaigns, leading to frustration among soldiers who question why their compensation is not a priority for political parties.
The broader context includes a ten-year, 350 billion shekel budget plan initiated after October 7th to rebuild the IDF's strength, encompassing various acquisitions like tanks, warships, and aircraft. However, the current government's priorities are questioned, as is the opposition's inability to effectively challenge the government on critical issues like soldier welfare and military readiness.
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