Addressing army enlistment issue, IDF chief says he detects general willingness for equal distribution of burden

"People are tired of being suckers," IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz said on Sunday while discussing the issue of IDF enlistment.

Meeting with high school teachers in Jerusalem, Gantz said that the question of army service is a legitimate and fundamental one. "The answer is, above anything else, political. We hear the voices, see the soldiers, understand the importance of service for all.

"It seems to me that people are tired of being suckers and want everyone to take part. I am convinced that the State will finalize that."

Asked by reporters about the Harpaz affair, Gantz commented that "we don´t deal with it, we go forward. I hope I´m setting a good example on this issue."

The Tal Law, which exempts yeshiva students from army service, is set to expire in July pursuant to a High Court ruling. The new coalition will likely spend the remaining days and weeks trying to pass an alternative bill which will integrate haredim and other minority groups into the IDF or national civil service.

Education Minister Gideon Sa´ar, who also attended the event, said "This is the last stretch before we change the law and introduce more equal distribution of the burden.

"Our goal is to draft an agreement that increases equality while taking into account the differences between us and aim for all parts of the population to participate in the fulfillment of our duties to the state and society." Sa´ar noted that the solution will rely heavily on national service. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 06/10/12)