The Cabinet has backed Defense Minister Amir Peretz's opposition to a proposal that superior athletes be exempt from serving in the IDF. Likud Knesset Member Chaim Katz initiated the exemption idea. Defense Minister Peretz explained that the IDF already has the authority to exempt athletes, as well as artists, from military service and that a blanket exemption would weaken the armed forces.



The Cabinet also rejected a suggestion that athletes be allowed to serve their time in the army by doing national service outside in Jewish communities in the Diaspora.