Israeli Protests May Influence Freeze in Defense Budget
Israeli government's response to pro-democracy uprisings in Mid East was increase in military spending
Israeli plans to significantly increase their defense budget in response to the popular upheavals throughout the Arab world may be shelved for at least a year.
Various factors, from the Israeli protesters in Tel Aviv to the global financial crisis, have led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak to consider delaying implementation of the Israeli Defense Force’s ambitious five year plan for an expanded defense budget. Instead, a deal is close to being agreed upon that would keep next year’s defense budget at current levels across the board.
The protests by Israeli citizens are about a variety of issues, from retirement benefits to mandatory military service, but preventing the expected increase in military spending may be among the accomplishments of these popular rallies.
What is notable is the stated reason for the proposed increase in spending: the Arab Spring. Faced with the potential of Arab-country policies that more closely reflect the will of the people – that is, democracy – the Israeli government saw fit to increase their militarism. This should offer a clear representation to the preferences of the Israeli government.
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Danton
August 12th, 2011 at 1:12 am
If the Israelis can cut defense, so can we, Lead us to peace Israeli protestors.
Die Wahrheit zählt
August 12th, 2011 at 2:50 am
Quick, better improve significantly on that $150,000,000,000 the US has given Israel since 1949. Americans are so mean when it comes to bankrolling Israel.
John Ellis
August 12th, 2011 at 10:33 am
If the motive of most American voters was to elect the politician most honorable and just, then money would have zero impact on elections. Problem is, half of Americans are so impoverished they never vote. Truth is, the upper half with all the wealth, most favor the politician who in his election spends the most wealth, as they figure he is the one best qualified to protect their wealth.
English middle-class give their rich nobility no supervision, which causes investors and bankers to run riot, plunder the economy and pressure the middle-class toward bankruptcy. Which causes the laboring class to be so void of employment, that it runs riot plundering middle-class goods, destroying middle-class business and driving even further the middle-class toward bankruptcy. Birth pangs of Revolution, when the 40 percent educated middle-class decide to teach both rich and poor a lesson.
Jamie N
August 12th, 2011 at 10:42 am
Israel is protesting about the price of living when it should have been done long ago about the illegal things there illegal government has and is doing to the Palistinians and others.I wonder how many Israelys care about enything but themselfs.SAome I positive do but from what I've seen most don't.
Mike Ehling
August 12th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Why can't the Knesset just call in a few billion from the best Congress AIPAC can buy?
Jose
August 12th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Its a clear representation of their government as you say. I stated on FACEBOOK that the protesters needed a DEmocratic government that represented them instead of the radical right wing, totalitarian, religious special interest and they closed my account. Same thing with Aljazera, I have 9 comments and all 9 are positive. They went in mu computer and unable to make more comments! The truth HURTS! They liked the dictatorships around them as this made them feel safe around all those people being repressed.
Jamie N
August 12th, 2011 at 4:00 pm
I leave the truth plain and simple and get thumbs down.Must think Isrehell is right in what they have not done untill it hurts them.Again not all Israels agree but seems most could care less about there government illegal actions.Truth must bother someone but you have the right to down me or say what you will FREEDOM OF SPEACH is important as there rest of the GOD given rights.Have a great night or day were ever you live PEACE.