If Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman gets his way, anyone who has not served in the IDF or national service will not be eligible to join the Foreign Ministry trainee program, where future diplomats are trained and molded.

The minister has come under a wave of criticism for his announced policy change, which many feel will not stand the test of a petition to the High Court. Lieberman has instructed ministry legal experts to probe the idea of implementing the change and if they believe the High Court would uphold the ruling, he is likely to make the change, even if his legal experts are harshly critical of the move.

Former Education Minister (Labor) MK Prof. Yuli Tamir called the policy statement “racist” and demanded that Lieberman step down from his senior cabinet post.

Lieberman however remains firm, stating there is no reason that someone who has not undertaken the burden of the citizens of the country should represent the nation, adding by permitting such a practice, the nation in essence discriminates against those who served.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)