Reserve Soldiers’ Absence Costs Israeli Economy Up to 68,000 Shekels Monthly Per Soldier
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
A Ministry of Finance report finds that Israeli reservists’ work absences cost the economy up to 68,000 shekels monthly per soldier aged 31 to 39, with total costs reaching 2.3 billion shekels monthly for 60,000 reservists. The report highlights demographic differences and broader impacts on families and careers.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Reserve soldiers aged 31-39 cost the economy up to 68,000 shekels monthly due to work absence.
- Jewish non-Haredi men aged 25-44 account for 83% of reservist absences but only 36% of workforce.
- Reservists have higher rates of students and fathers of young children, but fewer self-employed workers.
- Reservists earn about 42% more than non-serving peers, increasing economic impact.
- Total monthly economic cost for 60,000 reservists is estimated at 2.3 billion shekels.
- Reserve service affects not only soldiers but also their households, spouses, and career paths.
A new report from the Chief Economist of Israel's Ministry of Finance, Shmuel Abramzon, reveals that the economic cost of a reservist soldier’s absence from work can reach up to 68,000 shekels per month for soldiers aged 31 to 39. The report analyzes the characteristics of reservists absent from employment due to military service and the broader economic impact on the Israeli economy.
The data shows that the burden of absence mainly falls on Jewish non-Haredi men aged 25 to 44, who make up about 83% of those absent despite representing only around 36% of the workforce. Reservists differ from their non-serving peers in several ways: they have a higher proportion of students (13% versus 6%), more fathers of young children (63% versus 51%), and fewer self-employed workers (8% versus 14%).
Additionally, reservists earn approximately 42% more than their non-serving counterparts. The report emphasizes that the cost of reserve service extends beyond the individual’s absence, affecting households, spouses, and career or educational trajectories. Updated estimates place the monthly economic cost of reserve service at about 39,000 shekels for men aged 22 to 30 and 68,000 shekels for those aged 31 to 39, significantly higher than previous estimates.
With around 60,000 reservists serving monthly in recent months, the Bank of Israel calculates the total economic cost to be approximately 2.3 billion shekels per month.
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