Government Unveils "Recruited for Reserves" Program: NIS 9 Billion Aid Package for Reserve Servants and Families

In a significant move aimed at supporting reserve soldiers and their families affected by the ongoing conflict, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Yoav Galant unveiled the "Recruited for Reserves" program on Tuesday evening. The comprehensive initiative, with a total cost of NIS 9 billion, is set to provide financial relief to reserve soldiers and their families, pending government approval and budgetary considerations for 2024.

The program encompasses a range of measures, including an expanded aid and compensation fund for affected businesses, particularly focusing on self-employed reservists and their families. Similar to the support granted to businesses in the Shepar settlements, those impacted by the conflict nationwide will be eligible for full compensation for income loss and salary expenses.

Key components of the program include a state-guaranteed loan fund of one billion shekels for self-employed reservists, a compensation plan for employers regarding social contributions to employees in reserves, and adjusted deadlines for reports and payments. The initiative also prioritizes self-employed reservists and businesses employing reservists in state tenders.

For reserve officers, the program introduces monthly bonuses for combat and non-combat units, a special reward lasting over 60 days, and grants for those performing operational duties in 2024. Additionally, a minimum compensation guarantee ensures reservists receive at least 300 shekels per day until the end of 2024.

Acknowledging the vulnerability of reservists' families, the program allocates a monthly grant for parents of reservists with children up to the age of 15. Other provisions include a household economy grant, vacation grants, extended protections against layoffs, and an extension of paid maternity leave for reservists' spouses.

The announcement comes after mounting pressure from reservists and their families, who have faced financial challenges and disruptions to their lives during the three-month conflict. The government's response aims to address the urgent needs of those who have served in the reserves, providing crucial support as the nation grapples with the ongoing impact of the war.