Israeli premier enables `first driver’ to skip duty. Most Israeli men are required to serve annual reserve duty — unless of course, they also happen to be the official driver for Israel’s first lady, Sara Netanyahu.
Israel Television reported that the driver, Ya’acov Azulai, was recently called up for reserve duty.
Shortly after, an official letter from the Prime Minister’s Office asked the Israel Defense Force to relieve him of his duties.
The IDF approved the decision, but sources told the television that it was not the first time such a request had been made for Netanyahu’s driver.
Labor Knesset member Ra’anan Cohen cried foul over the disclosure, which comes against the backdrop of a decrease in motivation among Israeli reservists and active duty soldiers.
“Nowadays, you call up 400 people for reserve duty, and barely 20 show up. And here, the prime minister, instead of setting an example, makes sure to get the driver an exemption.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said in response that the request was for a postponement only and that Azulai would fulfill his reserve duties.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
