Israeli army cutting costs on soldiers' weekend meals

The IDF unexpectedly sent hundreds of soldiers on courses and training on leave from a base near Eilat at the end of last week. The soldiers, who will be placed in units when their courses and training are completed, were surprised to learn from their commanders that the decision to send them home on weekend leave resulted from the need to cut the army's food costs. Israel's defense budget is NIS 70 billion a year, including US defense aid.

The father of a soldier serving at the base told "Globes" that his son and the son's friends, who were at the base in a course, had expected to remain there over the weekend. "Friday morning, they were surprised to hear that they were being sent home because there weren't enough portions in the dining room," the father said.

A military source confirmed to "Globes" that hundreds of soldiers in courses and training serving at the base had been sent on weekend leave last Friday. The source attributed the unscheduled leave to renovations in the base's dining room. The IDF usually orders food from an external caterer. Last weekend, in an attempt to reduce food expenses, it was decided to send soldiers on leave who were "not required for the base's regular activity."

An IDF spokesperson said in response, "The head of technology and logistics gave instructions to improve the base's short and long-term response. The IDF takes regular action to improve its response for soldiers serving on this base. Frequent audits have been held recently on the base and a comprehensive renovation is being conducted on the kitchen, which is expected to be fully ready next week. As a result of the renovation, an external caterer was used for the base. Infrastructure at the base is handled thoroughly and with the utmost seriousness."

Hundreds of the soldiers unexpectedly sent on weekend leave arrived home after many hours of travel, but they at least got home cooking.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 30, 2018

Israeli army cutting costs on soldiers' weekend meals

Israel's defense budget is NIS 70 billion a year.