Chief of staff orders reduction in employment of external advisers, cancels all non-operational trips of IDF delegations.
By YAAKOV LAPPIN, JPOST.COM STAFFBenny Gantz with binoculars 370(photo credit: IDF Spokesperson)
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz has ordered a major reduction in the employment of external advisers, and cancelled all non-operational trips of IDF delegations to militaries abroad on Tuesday.Speaking at the site of an Infantry Corps drill, Gantz said he believes the IDF is up to the "difficult task" of making defense budget cuts."We are required to carry the stretcher when it comes to economic issues," he said."What is difficult for the society is difficult for us too," Gantz said, adding that the IDF will examine "where to cut back."Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon echoed Gantz's sentiment, saying that the army must also pitch in to the nations efforts to reduce the deficit.Speaking to Intelligence Soldiers on Tuesday, Gantz stated: "We must hitch a shoulder in the national effort to close the budget deficit."Ya'alon added: "We're doing so with a heavy heart, grave concern and with the knowledge that we are taking an enormous risk, particularly in light of the complex security situation that will be with us in the coming years."but we also mark the red lines, one of the cornerstones of their be keeping an intelligence the people and its resources, recognizing the prominence will be reflected in emergency and routine, in part thanks to the wonderful abilities that few know them, but so many of them owe their lives.The moves are designed to help the army cope with a 3 billion shekel cut in the defense budget, and come one day after the IDF announced the dramatic step of ending all operational duties for reserve soldiers for the remainder of this year.The IDF also significantly reduced advanced training programs for certain reserve battalions, and cancelled exercises for the General Staff.
