The most expensive canteen in the IDF: "They are exploiting us like a monopoly"
An outrageous exposé reveals abnormal price gaps of tens of percent on basic consumer goods at a closed base compared to other IDF bases, with the Ministry of Defense admitting that some prices are set by the franchisee.
On N12, an exposé was published today (Thursday) regarding abnormal and outrageous price gaps at the canteen (SHKAM) at the Ir HaBahadim base in the south, compared to other IDF bases across the country.
According to the testimonies of soldiers serving at the base, which houses about 10,000 personnel in closed-base conditions, the local canteen effectively operates as a monopoly and exploits the "captive audience" of those serving at the location. The soldiers report that they are forced to pay prices that are 20% and even up to 50% higher compared to the exact same products sold at other IDF bases.
A price check reveals that basic consumer goods, which are supposed to be under the strict supervision of the Ministry of Defense, are sold at a huge profit at the expense of the soldiers. An Axe body spray deodorant is sold at Ir HaBahadim for 15.90 shekels by the franchisee, compared to 12.90 shekels at the Koveret chain.
Pinuk shampoo is sold at Ir HaBahadim for 13.30 shekels by the franchisee, compared to 8 shekels at Koveret. Always sanitary pads are sold at Ir HaBahadim for 19.90 shekels by the franchisee, compared to 14 shekels at Koveret.
From the Ministry of Defense's response provided following the exposé, it emerges that:
"The convenience store at Kiryat HaHadraha is operated through a franchisee. The prices of some products are subject to supervision, and the franchisee is obligated to sell them at agreed-upon prices. The rest of the products are sold in accordance with the pricing set by the franchisee. The Ministry of Defense conducts periodic checks and audits, and if any deviation from the procedures is found, the franchisee is required to correct it."
