Israel Defense Ministry and IDF Draft Plan to Protect Reserve Soldier Benefits Until 2027
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
The Israeli military and Ministry of Defense are developing a government resolution and Knesset legislation to protect reserve soldiers' benefits through 2027. This action is a response to reports that soldiers serving across two calendar years may lose eligibility for benefits. Wives of reserve soldiers are pushing for immediate solutions to address financial and personal hardships caused by the current system. The efforts aim to ensure soldiers receive benefits like medical, educational, and vacation aid despite service day distribution across years.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's military and defense ministry are creating a government resolution and Knesset legislation to protect reserve soldier benefits until 2027.
- An investigation revealed that reserve soldiers serving across two calendar years might lose eligibility for benefits.
- Wives of reserve soldiers are demanding immediate solutions to financial and personal hardships caused by the current system.
- The proposed benefits include aid for psychological treatment, extended maternity leave, scholarships, and vacation vouchers.
- Soldiers from the 363rd Battalion have been called for multiple reserve duties since the war began.
The Israeli military and the Ministry of Defense are collaborating on a government resolution to safeguard the benefits and rights of reserve soldiers and their families through 2027. This initiative follows an investigation by Walla news that uncovered eligibility loopholes for these benefits. Alongside the government resolution, efforts are underway to advance legislation in the Knesset, with hopes for expedited passage after the upcoming elections.
The problem arises when reserve soldiers' service days are split across two calendar years, potentially disqualifying them from benefits even after extended service. For instance, a soldier serving nearly 100 consecutive days might not meet the minimum day requirement in either year due to this division, losing access to crucial benefits. The military and defense ministry are pursuing parallel paths: a government resolution to clarify service day calculations and eligibility criteria, and parliamentary legislation.
While legislation may take longer, the government resolution aims for a quicker solution, pending cabinet approval. However, wives of reserve soldiers have criticized the proposed timeline, arguing that families shouldn't have to wait while soldiers continue their lengthy service, causing financial and personal hardship. They are demanding that the defense establishment address the eligibility gaps during the transition period and provide assistance comparable to that given to families of soldiers who complete their service within a single calendar year.
The issue specifically impacts soldiers from the 363rd Battalion of an armored brigade, some of whom have been called up for their fifth or sixth reserve duty since the war began. Walla previously reported that some soldiers were ordered to serve 99 days, starting in November 2026, with 40 days in 2026 and 59 in 2027. This split could affect their eligibility for benefits such as psychological treatment reimbursements, extended maternity leave grants, academic scholarships, and vacation vouchers, as some benefits require 45-50 days of service annually, and others 60 or more.
In response, the soldiers' wives have sent a letter to Dudu Bar Khalifa, Head of the Manpower Directorate, and Beni Ben Ari, Chief Reserve Officer, urging them to find a solution that prevents their families from losing their rights.
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