A sharp exchange or works took place between Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and Knesset legal advisor, attorney Nurit Elstein. The row surrounds a request from MK (Yisrael Beitenu) Moshe Matalon for a fulltime driver due to the fact he is a recognized IDF disabled veteran, a paraplegic, who is bound to his wheelchair. In his request, Matalon explains that his position demands that he travel the country and he is extremely tired as a result due to his limitations.

Elstein was requested to check into the legality of the request since MKs are not entitled to a driver. She told Rivlin that the request cannot be honored and that the speaker does not have the authority to approve the request.

Rivlin decided however to grant the request, telling the media that Matalon was wounded in his capacity as an IDF officer, with a high disability rating and as such, there is no room for bureaucratic squabbling. He explained that to his sorrow, the Knesset legal advisor sees things differently, prompting her to reject the request. Rivlin however feels that due the circumstances surrounding his current disabled state, the Knesset is compelled to comply with the “elementary request”.

There is mounting criticism against Elstein who took her case against Rivlin to the attorney general, and launched her own private investigation in the hope of showing Matalon’s request is not justified, seeking to learn just how much driving he does.  

Matalon, who is a former chair of the Israel IDF Veterans Association praised Rivlin for realizing the difficulties faced daily by many vets. He added that at the end of the day, the driver and his new increased mobility will enable him to better serve the voters.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)