Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced today (Wednesday) a new, wide-ranging outline for expanding benefits for reserve service members and their families.
The outline, which was developed in cooperation between the Ministries of Defense and Finance, includes an addition of approximately 3 billion NIS to finance significant measures that will strengthen the status of reservists, provide them with financial support, and bring relief for employers who enable reserve service.
As part of the move, it was also decided to establish a new department in the Ministry of Defense to handle the reserve force. The department will work in collaboration with the IDF and government ministries to promote legislation, government decisions, and collaborations with the business and local sectors, with the aim of improving service conditions and recognition for those serving.
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The new outline includes a number of groundbreaking measures that will establish the status of reserve service members in Israeli society and the economy, while increasing recognition, focusing on career service members, and focusing on long-term goals:
• Launch of a personal digital wallet – Reserve service members will benefit from an innovative benefits club with a personal digital wallet, which will be loaded according to the number of days of service and will allow for discounts and government services.
• Tax credit points – For the first time, income tax credit points will be awarded to reserve service members in the combat formation, depending on the extent of their service.
• Grants for employers – financial incentives for employers that will allow their employees to serve in the reserves without affecting their terms of employment.
• Grants for commanders – special compensation for reservists serving in command positions in the combat formation.
In addition, government teams in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice are working to examine an additional package of measures that will include:
• Priorities in receiving government services for reserve soldiers.
• Housing relief, including discounts on the purchase of an apartment.
• Adjustments for business owners who have been financially affected by prolonged reserve service.
The approved outline principles will be formulated into a government decision that will be submitted for approval soon, in coordination with all relevant parties.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said: "Strengthening the reservists is our top priority. We are committed to honoring them not only in words, but also in deeds.".
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: "He who serves more - pays less. This is a just and correct principle, and it underlies the outline we are promoting.".
Head of the IDF Reserves, Maj. Gen. Dado Bar Khalifa: "The State of Israel stands on the shoulders of its reserve servicemen. We are committed to providing them with the appropriate support.".
