The Israeli government on Sunday approved an NIS 3 billion ($840 million) benefits package for reserve soldiers in support for those serving on the front lines and their families, one of the largest single investments ever made in support of its reserve forces.
The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Haredi Orthodox coalition partners issued veiled threats to trigger elections amid a deepening crisis over stalled legislation exempting Haredi yeshiva students from military service.
“Our reservists do everything for the country. We need to give them everything. Our rule is simple: whoever contributes to the country will be rewarded with compound interest. And that is what we did today — in a series of very dramatic decisions, in billions of shekels,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The plan includes wide-ranging economic and social benefits, including increased tax credits, grants for employers of reservists, discounted access to government housing programs, and special grants for discharged soldiers. Reservists will also receive a personal digital wallet for leisure and welfare expenses, valued at up to NIS 5,000 ($1,400).