Q&A: Defense Tax
Defense Tax
Question
I recently read that in Switzerland, anyone who does not fulfill their conscription obligation pays a defense tax to the state until age 37. I wonder whether it would not be appropriate to institute such a tax in Israel, in light of the fact that a growing percentage of the population (Haredim, Arabs, religious women, and people who simply don’t feel like it) is not interested in serving in the army. And the idea of trying to force something—especially security service—on such a large percentage of citizens who do not want it does not sound wise or practical to me (in my opinion, anyone who thinks it is wise or practical is driven by emotion rather than reason).
This tax would give those who are interested in enlisting an incentive to serve longer and earn a significant salary, and thereby fill the army’s manpower needs. It would also be possible to hire contractor companies for various security needs, as is customary in the United States and other countries.
What do you think?
Answer
My view is that it is not practical to hire contractor companies. Therefore the tax will not help fill the necessary ranks. And coercion with sanctions is definitely workable.
Discussion on Answer
It seems to me that such a tax is also a sanction (if it is set at a significant monthly amount. Say, 20,000 shekels a month, an average salary plus a small fine).
Where do you get the excessive confidence to decide what is practical regarding the future when you do not have a drop of experience in an event on that scale?