Posted on 03/31/2002 2:59:25 PM PST by HockeyPop
Response to call-up 'almost 100 percent'
By Amos Harel
The emergency call-up of reservists proceeded smoothly yesterday, army officials said, noting that almost 100 percent of those called reported for duty. However, reservists complained that they have had to cope with malfunctioning equipment, logistical problems, inadequate food and make-shift accommodation.
Chief reserve officer, Brigadier General Ariel Heiman, told Ha'aretz that the number of refuseniks was insignificant, adding that even "gray refusal" - in the form of trying to get out of service by calling in sick or using other excuses - was extremely low. Response "was almost 100 percent," he said.
Senior army officers visited reserve units yesterday to get a feel of the situation on the ground and learn of any problems first-hand. Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz issued a message to the reservists and conscripts as Operation Defensive Wall got underway. "We have no choice but to act to fulfill the basic responsibility of a country to its people - to assure their right to live in peace and security," the message said. He called on the men to be careful to preserve a "human face" and desist from harming the innocent. "The spirit of voluntarism and the rate of reporting for duty [in reserve units] are praiseworthy, and add honor and security and testify to our the endurance and unity of Israeli society." He ended his message by saying, "We are embarking on this operation in order to defend our homes, our right and that of our parents, our brothers and our children to live in peace and security."
The first two days of the call-up, over the weekend, were marked by severe logistical problems. Reservists told Ha'aretz that they were given malfunctioning equipment, lacked food and had to make do with make-shift beds and vehicles that didn't work in a general atmosphere of chaos. They added that the situation had improved by yesterday.
Reservists who were sent to the West Bank said they received very old equipment, including old-style combat vests which were taken out of use years ago, and outdated helmets. Reservists also complained of places where there were insufficient weapons for snipers and a lack of sufficient night-vision equipment.
Others complained that they had been forced to make do with combat rations for three straight days, and even these rations were at times in short supply.
In one elite unit, a reservist complained about the condition of army vehicles, saying he had found jeeps missing tires, radiators and communication equipment.
But another senior military officer said he was not aware of any problems involving vehicles, saying his men had been rolling out hundreds of armored vehicles and had found them to be well maintained and in working order. "We are in the process this evening of replacing old personal equipment which the reservists received," he said.
As for food, he said that the army had been forced to come up with supplies in very short order and expressed confidence food supplies would improve shortly.
Worst case scenario Israel will do the entire world a favor and take them all out including Mecca and Medina. When the dust settles Muslims won't even know which direction to pray their Allah.
I pray God you are right- Israel needs to get hard, real fast, and do what needs to be done to protect hereself and her citizens.
No truce with terrorists!
Israel has a long way to go before it has the freedom we enjoy. Heritage ranks the Israel #43 with less freedom than Germany, Cambodia,the Czech Republic,Great Britain,El Salvador, Japan,Bahrain,Canada,Chile,Estonia,Norway,Thailand,Finland and the United Arab Emirates.
I think most Freepers know that Israel has a socialist economy, having been founded by the Zionist equivalent of US Cold War Liberals. The difference between Israel and its neighbors is that Israel's economic policies might change as a result of free discussion among its citizens.
Of course, if you would prefer to live in that libertarian paradise, the United Arab Emirates, please don't let me stop you.
Last thing Israeli Jews wanted was to be warriors again. That's why Israel went through the Oslo process in the prosperous hi-tech 1990's. The Pallie revolt has made Israel a poorer place. Poor Jews will be much more angry and willing to mix it up with these rat bastard Jihadists.. .... My own opinion is that Israel is becoming less and less a comfortable and bourgeois place to live. They will be angry and are going to direct their wrath at the Muslim Jihad. The Sephardic Jews and MidEast Jews in Israel know darn well what the lying Arab Muslims all about. They know the culture.
Last thing Israeli Jews wanted was to be warriors again. That's why Israel went through the Oslo process in the prosperous hi-tech 1990's. The Pallie revolt has made Israel a poorer place. Poor Jews will be much more angry and willing to mix it up with these rat bastard Jihadists.. .... My own opinion is that Israel is becoming less and less a comfortable and bourgeois place to live. They will be angry and are going to direct their wrath at the Muslim Jihad. The Sephardic Jews and MidEast Jews in Israel know darn well what the lying Arab Muslims all about. They know the culture.
Get serious. Heritage Foundation states that their ranking is according to "Economic Freedom." Out of 212 nations, they are ranked #43, which puts them in the top 20%. And anybody who knows Israeli business knows that their trend is rapidly AWAY from their socialist roots.
Revealing comment. I never mentioned the word democracy or democratic. Heritage rates how free countries are, not their system of government. Gee, you sound just like those liberals who think government can run every aspect of your life as long as 51% of the people vote for it. The people who think freedom and democracy are synonyms. You know the type. The type which named their country the German Democratic Republic (GDR or East Germany).
Not until you pointed it out. Thanks
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