Correction) Defense Minister Barak Instructs IDF to implement the 1986
Military Service Law

(Communicated by Josh Hantman, International Media Advisor, MOD
dover@mod.gov.il )

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 1 August 2012), upon the expiration of the 'Law for
Yeshiva Students Deferring their Service', commonly known as 'The Tal Law',
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has instructed the IDF to implement the 1986
Military Service Law (Consolidated Version).

Defense Minister Barak instructed the IDF to submit, within a month, a
practical proposal to implement the aforesaid law for the young
ultra-orthodox population, until the Knesset authorizes a new law to
permanently settle the issue.

The Minister stressed the policy initiative that he has proposed whereby the
IDF's deliberations will take into account the Supreme Court ruling, the
requirement and values of the IDF, and the principle of leveling the playing
field/'sharing the burden'. The IDF will also examine, on a case-by-case
basis, the suitability of individuals for military service, as is customary.

Minister Barak also highlighted his order to accelerate the recruitment of
the ultra-orthodox, through expanding and increasing the designated tracks
for this community. In the long run, this will contribute to the vocational
training and important integration of the ultra-orthodox community into
Israel's labor market.

With this, the Minister instructed the army to 'deepen the means of
enforcement' against those who shirk their responsibilities.

In parallel to this, the defense establishment will promote the reform of
the payment scheme for soldiers of the IDF; with the emphasis on a scaled
framework, whereby the highest level reaches the minimum wage.

Minister Barak noted: "It is of the utmost importance that those who serve
and bear the burden of our security are rewarded appropriately."