Following a number of responses from non-chareidi legislators to the announced recommendations of MK Yochanan Plesner  on Wednesday morning, 14 Tammuz 5772.

Former Kadima leader Tzipi Livni:

The system must be changed so that our children are no longer the suckers of the country. Every citizen of the country must serve at the age of 18, Jews and Arab alike, either in the IDF or national service. The High Court granted us a rare opportunity and we cannot accept a cosmetic fix.

Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-On:

The report is useless and Plesner and Shaul Mofaz are simply trying to save Kadima and justify their continued existence in the coalition.

Labor leader MK Shelly Yacimovich:

The entire report is a hoax and of no value. While I believe Plesner had good intensions, his party’s alliance with Likud eliminated any hope and Likud is just concerned with political stability, not genuinely interested in change.

Former IDF Chief of Personnel Branch Major-General (reserves) Elazar Stern:

I am disappointed but not surprised for I did not have any illusions. They lack the courage to compel the chareidim to serve.

Minister (Yisrael Beitenu) Dr. Uzi Landau:

His party will oppose any bill that does not include equal sharing of the burden by all, including Arabs.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)