ISRAEL
The Israeli Civil Service Commission (CSC) says it will now favour military veterans for employment in the Public Service.
The new policy follows a Bill before the Knesset (Parliament) that proposes granting preferences to minorities who served in the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) or in some other National Service position.
The Bill has passed its first stage but has been held up due to objections from Arab and Ultra-Orthodox legislators, whose constituents generally do not serve and would be affected negatively.
The CSC said its policy would replace the need for legislation.
It said preference will be given based on a points system, with serving in the IDF or performing National Service counting as one point.
Additional points would be awarded to those who did reserve duty or performed community service.
A promotor of the Bill in the Knesset, Moti Yogev said its aim was to convey the simple idea that it paid to serve.
“The IDF and National Service represent an expression of fealty to the State, when one gives one’s prime years to society,” Mr Yogev said.
“The State of Israel must reward those who are loyal and giving even while risking their own safety.”
He said minorities who served find themselves lagging behind their fellows who have begun to study, work and acquire experience.
“We must therefore reward them by giving them priority in order to level the playing field,” Mr Yogev said.
Jerusalem, 29 June 2018
