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Gantz: We must make changes to IDF during relative calm

By JPOST.COM STAFF

JULY 15, 2013 11:57

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz on Monday said that while he was not happy that the IDF must implement wide-reaching budget cuts over the coming five years, the move is necessary given the circumstances and will be done responsibly.

Speaking at a meeting of the the Manufacturers Association of Israel, Gantz said, "Naturally, we are not doing this without worry, but we are doing this responsibly and with a view to maintaining stability."

The multi-year plan published by the IDF on Wednesday, which would need to be approved by the cabinet, includes firing 3,000 to 5,000 career soldiers, and downsizing and closing air force squadrons, armored and artillery units, and naval deployments.

The IDF, which referred to the cuts as unprecedented, believes they could save around NIS 7 billion over the five years.

"We have to take action as quickly as possible and take advantage of the current period in which the chances for a land operation being launched against Israel are not high. That's not to say that there is no terror and that we won't need to maneuver from point to point, but I don't think a different scenario is likely and therefore we must use the near future to make a change," Gantz said.

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