Independence Day naval sail
Photo: Yaron Brener
Independence Day naval sail canceled
IDF cites budget cuts as reason for cancellation while Finance Ministry insists defense establishment's budget had actually increased
The IDF has decided not to hold the traditional naval sail on Independence Day this year citing budget cuts. It has also decided not to put armored vehicles on display.
The IDF said the decision was made also due to security constraints in light of the changing strategic reality in the Middle East. Instead of the sail, the army will hold a smaller event in Eilat in conjunction with the local municipality.
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IDF officials said that the army will reconsider holding the naval sail and other displays in the coming years.
The traditional flyover however will be held according to plan. Various IDF bases will also be opened for the public, including the Ramat David and Tel Nof Air Force bases and the Efraim Spatial Brigade base.
The Finance Ministry was irked by the fact that the IDF had cited budget cuts as the reason for the cancellation and claimed that the defense establishment's budget had actually increased. "The public is being misled again with the words 'budget cuts'," a statement said. "The defense establishment's budget for 2011 amounted to NIS 57 billion and in 2012 will stand at least NIS 60 billion."
Avital Lahav contributed to this report
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