Benefits for reservists approved (Photo: ShutterStock)
Following the publication two weeks ago, the Ministerial Committee on the Reserve System, headed by Defense Minister Yoav Galant, approved benefits worth about NIS 200 million for reservists. Among the benefits approved at this stage: concessions for students, an annual summer camp and after-school grant of NIS 1,500, and a regular annual grant of NIS 1,250 for "home economics," which will replace the recently announced Arnona and electricity discount.
In the area of housing, a benefit already approved by the committee increases the discount on land purchases from NIS 75,100 to up to NIS <>,<>, with the Ministry of Defense expected to approve priority in "target price" projects for reservists.
Ofer Petersburg, Walla Real Estate correspondent, has already addressed the provision of benefits to reservists in the country's housing programs, saying that while this is a welcome move on the face of it, until the government increases the availability of apartments, it is in any case a double loss: both a long wait for a key and an increase in rental prices.
Approved benefits, and those on the agenda
- Relief for students - receiving two credits for performing 10 days of reserve duty; Eligibility for an additional test date within 45 days or in a subsequent semester and viewing a recording of classes (subject to the approval of the CHE/PBC);
- increasing the amount of the discount on the purchase of land from NIS 75,100 to up to NIS <>,<>;
- Scholarships for advanced academic degrees in the sciences.
- Home Economy Grant – an annual and uniform grant of NIS 1,250 for household payments to active reservists;
- Camp and after-school grant – an annual grant of NIS 1,500 for reservists who are parents of children up to age 16 who performed active reserve duty for 5 days or more in July-August;
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy together with Defense Minister Yoav Galant (Photo: Ministry of Defense, Nicole Laxby, Ministry of Defense Spokesperson)
In addition, the Ministry of Defense announced that additional benefits are expected to be approved soon, including scholarships for advanced academic degrees in the sciences, preference in the "target price" housing project, cultural events for reservists, and subsidies for entry to cultural and sports events as well as heritage sites.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant: "Reservists play a decisive role in IDF activity in routine times and combat. We saw proof of this in the recent operation in Gaza. The reservists who sacrifice themselves for the good of the state and to fortify its security deserve all appreciation, and indeed the decision approved today unanimously is unprecedented in its financial scope, but beyond that it is a clear statement that those who donate deserve more."
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi: "The reserve system is a necessary part of the IDF's ability to meet its missions – routine and emergency. The IDF sees great importance in maintaining the readiness of the reserve system and we will act to strengthen it. The reservists deserve every recognition and we will continue to maintain that."
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