Israel Expands Housing Benefits for Reservists with Half-Million Shekel Discounts

The Israeli government has unveiled a new housing initiative called "From Reserves to Keys," aimed at significantly expanding housing benefits for reservists. The plan, announced on Sunday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Housing Minister Haim Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, responds to high demand from reservists seeking discounted housing. The previous lottery for discounted apartments attracted over 25,000 reservists, but only about 4,700 won.

The new program will provide approximately 20,000 housing solutions between 2026 and 2027, including around 16,000 apartments under a target price scheme and 4,000 plots for ground-level construction. A key change increases the share of apartments reserved for reservists from 50% to 75%, with an additional 25% specifically allocated for combat reservists. Each apartment will come with a discount exceeding 500,000 shekels.

Additionally, reservists purchasing plots in national priority areas A will receive a full exemption from land payments, excluding development fees. Netanyahu emphasized the government's commitment to supporting reservists, noting that since the war began, the government has allocated 25 billion shekels to reservists and their families. Katz highlighted the urgency of providing housing to the 20,000 reservists currently without homes, while Smotrich reaffirmed the state's dedication to ensuring all reservists who applied in the previous lottery receive housing.

This comprehensive housing support package aims to ease the burden on reservists who have shouldered significant responsibilities during the conflict, offering them substantial financial relief and priority access to housing over the next two years.