Tensions are rising in Israel’s Fire Service in reaction to recent comments made by the chief of the department, Shachar Ayalon, calling firemen “superfluous”. Dozens of firemen from around the country have sent a letter to Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan demanding that he dismiss Ayalon, pointing out he regularly violates the conditions of the 2013 agreement. They further add that Ayalon lacks the certification for his command position, questioning if a person who is not a soldier would be permitted to serve as IDF chief of staff.

Firefighters from Ashkelon, Holon, Ramat Gan and Tiveria in addition to others, signed onto the request given to the minister, who is responsible for the nation’s fire services. They are calling for Ayalon’s immediately dismissal, calling upon Erdan to appoint someone from within the service and not someone who was passed over to head Israel Police and then landed at the head of the nation’s fire services.

They add there are countless documented cases of inappropriate decisions and actions in additional to irresponsible spending regarding Chief Ayalon.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)