That is why veterans are snapped up by start-ups, says Alan Baker, president of the Israel-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Tel Aviv.

ECONOMIST: Military service makes Israeli techies tougher

The decision to transport the ships - confirmed in July - has also been condemned by Green Party activists in the North East, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick, Alan Beith, and the party's environment spokesman Norman Baker.

BBC: NEWS | Americas | Four toxic ships free to sail