Israeli Labor Ministry Links Daycare Subsidies to Parents’ Military Status from 2026

The Israeli Ministry of Labor has introduced a new eligibility condition for state subsidies for daycare and family daycare centers, effective from the 2026-2027 school year. According to an official ministry document, parents’ status with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will determine their eligibility for government assistance. Specifically, parents will be disqualified from receiving subsidies if one of them has been declared a draft evader, received an order under Section 12 of the Security Service Law, or is classified as absent without leave (AWOL) by the IDF.

The ministry clarified that parents falling into any of these categories will not be eligible for any subsidy. Eligibility will be verified through data cross-checked with the IDF or other authorized government bodies. If a parent is found ineligible after receiving subsidies, the ministry may demand repayment and take further actions, including revoking other benefits.

This policy change follows a Supreme Court ruling from April 26, 2026, and is expected to impact many families, particularly those with a parent who has unresolved military status. Families who have already registered their children for daycare in the upcoming school year may face increased costs due to loss of subsidy. The new directive aligns with recent government measures tightening benefits for individuals who have not regularized their military status.