Subscribe to Print Edition | Sun., December 30, 2007 Tevet 21, 5768 | | Israel Time: 01:53 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File Magazine

IDF soldiers on reserve duty during the Second Lebanon War in 2006. (David Bachar) del.icio.us Digg It!  new Last update - 01:49 31/12/2007 Knesset panel approves watered-down benefits package for reservists By Moti Bassok and Mijal Grinberg, Haaretz Correspondents Tags: Ehud Barak, Reservists  A ministerial committee approved Sunday a series of benefits for Israel Defense Forces reserve soldiers, most of which were more gestural than practical. The benefits package includes discounts on flying licenses, entry to the Morasha beach, tickets to soccer and basketball games and grants to study at ORT vocational schools. The committee, specifically designated to deal with the welfare of reservists, did not grant income tax and municipal tax benefits. The reserve soldiers forum criticized the decision as "offensive," saying the benefits "get smaller and smaller from one [ministerial] session to another. There is no need to get involved in a benefits package, but there is in dealing with a [comprehensive] reserve duty bill." Advertisement The approval of the benefits package follows heavy pressure from IDF officers in the reserves, and was spearheaded by the Defense Ministry, under the direction Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai. Most of the planned benefits were left out. A substantial number, which were discussed at the ministerial committee, have yet to be finalized, due to opposition from various directions. A benefits program of more financial significance was abandoned due to opposition from the Treasury and other sources. It would have given breaks on income, municipal and vehicle taxes, as well as an exemption from the television license fee. The soldiers' organization said that the decision was originally meant to "bring a program to its implementation, and not just send government ministries to look at proposals." "Reservists have to be compensated for the real cost of a day of reserves, and to be rewarded in a reservists fund every day of duty," the forum stated. Related articles: Cabinet approves benefits package for IDF reserve soldiers Rocket strike on reservists was war's breaking point IDF reservist killed in gunbattles in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza Bookmark to del.icio.us Au revoir Assad Sarkozy says he'll cut ties with Syria over the Lebanon presidential crisis. Women march on Women in Black marks its 20th year, but the occupation continues.   1.   It will all work out in the end 22:46  |  Natallie Durson 30/12/07   2.   Slap in the face 22:48  |  Ethan 30/12/07

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