Nearly 12 percent of the current Knesset and cabinet is comprised of men who have built their political careers, at least in part, on the foundations of their military past. And over 30 former senior officers currently head local, regional, or municipal councils throughout Israel. In the past decade, the IDF has become increasingly transparent and accountable, supervised by the watchful eyes of the state comptroller, the Knesset, and various social action groups. Yet, the collective power of this critical mass of discharged soldiers is growing. And collectively, they have the power to set norms and determine public policy.
Military expenditures provide a case in point.
Yet much of this allotment goes to cover salaries, benefits, and perks. Salaries and perks are inflated, and there's plenty of corruption. But no politician wants to take on the army. They don't want to go up against the public, and all the former high ranking officers don't want to go up against their buddies. Tellingly, the system works for men - but not for women.