The report released by State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss (photo) paints a bleak picture in a number of areas of the IDF's and defense establishment's functioning. The report was submitted to Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik on Monday.
One of the major shortcomings addressed in the comprehensive report - which deals with the time before the recent war - is the incompetent training for officers over the rank of Lt.-Col. The report notes that up to this rank, officers are compelled to undergo appropriate training courses, including course for platoon and company commanders. Once an officer begins moving up from the rank of Lt.-Col. to Colonel and higher, few attend the appropriate National Security College courses, even though the course are officially compulsory. As a result, the report finds, they are not properly trained for their senior command positions.
Other shortcomings in the IDF include mismanagement of funds, including the Mount Eitan memorial project which was abandoned a decade ago after having cost some NIS 15 million. Nevertheless, the heads of the non-profit handling the defunct project continue to earn a salary despite the project having long been abandoned. Lindenstrauss blames the lack of communication between planning and spending branches.
The military’s stockpile of emergency ammunition is outdated, with the report explaining it has not been adjusted to new needs for a number of years. No one was found to be truly monitoring the inventory of the emergency ammunition supply depots.
The IDF is blasted in the report for its failure to properly investigate and deal with accusations of sexual misconduct and assault in the military, citing foot-dragging as the attitude with which complaints filed by female soldiers are addressed.
Soldiers classified as deserters are still in possession of their military-issued weapons, the result of a lack of follow-up and poor record-keeping.
Close to a decade after the decision to remove all asbestos from military buildings, soldiers are still housed in buildings with asbestos roofs.
Exemptions for girls who declare themselves "Sabbath observant" and thus exempt from the two years of army service mandated for females were found to have increased, up from 27.4% in 2004 to 29.9% in 2005.
Turning to the Defense Ministry, Lindenstrauss cites major waste regarding remodeling and construction of offices in the Defense Ministry. Mismanagement and faulty planning are some of contributory factors cited in the report. Some contractors are overpaid, while others find it difficult to receive payment after completing work.
The comprehensive report, as in the past, will find a prominent place in the media spotlight in the coming days, but it lacks the legal authority to compel change.
One of the major shortcomings addressed in the comprehensive report - which deals with the time before the recent war - is the incompetent training for officers over the rank of Lt.-Col. The report notes that up to this rank, officers are compelled to undergo appropriate training courses, including course for platoon and company commanders. Once an officer begins moving up from the rank of Lt.-Col. to Colonel and higher, few attend the appropriate National Security College courses, even though the course are officially compulsory. As a result, the report finds, they are not properly trained for their senior command positions.
Other shortcomings in the IDF include mismanagement of funds, including the Mount Eitan memorial project which was abandoned a decade ago after having cost some NIS 15 million. Nevertheless, the heads of the non-profit handling the defunct project continue to earn a salary despite the project having long been abandoned. Lindenstrauss blames the lack of communication between planning and spending branches.
The military’s stockpile of emergency ammunition is outdated, with the report explaining it has not been adjusted to new needs for a number of years. No one was found to be truly monitoring the inventory of the emergency ammunition supply depots.
The IDF is blasted in the report for its failure to properly investigate and deal with accusations of sexual misconduct and assault in the military, citing foot-dragging as the attitude with which complaints filed by female soldiers are addressed.
Soldiers classified as deserters are still in possession of their military-issued weapons, the result of a lack of follow-up and poor record-keeping.
Close to a decade after the decision to remove all asbestos from military buildings, soldiers are still housed in buildings with asbestos roofs.
Exemptions for girls who declare themselves "Sabbath observant" and thus exempt from the two years of army service mandated for females were found to have increased, up from 27.4% in 2004 to 29.9% in 2005.
Turning to the Defense Ministry, Lindenstrauss cites major waste regarding remodeling and construction of offices in the Defense Ministry. Mismanagement and faulty planning are some of contributory factors cited in the report. Some contractors are overpaid, while others find it difficult to receive payment after completing work.
The comprehensive report, as in the past, will find a prominent place in the media spotlight in the coming days, but it lacks the legal authority to compel change.