Cabinet okays NIS 3.25 billion in benefits for soldiers

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approves an NIS 3.25 billion ($996 million) financial package for the period of 2025-2029, intended to “strengthen the status of career soldiers.”

Touted as including “a wide range of social and economic measures,” the package covers “compensation for loss of spousal income, a digital wallet, an expanded assistance fund, bonuses, housing benefits, academic studies, and more,” the government announces in a statement.

The joint initiative of Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “includes new grants and incentives for career soldiers, a financial and emotional assistance fund for them and their families, and a personal digital wallet worth thousands of shekels for fees, welfare, and recreation,” the statement continues.

At the same time, the Israel Land Authority will work on promoting “dedicated housing solutions and benefits for home purchases” for career soldiers and combatants, “with the goal of strengthening the soldiers’ economic security and encouraging continued long-term service.”

Soldiers will also be given academic grants, while career soldiers and conscripts whose studies were interrupted by the war will be provided with special accommodations. Moreover, the government will declare a national day to honor the troops and “introduce priority in receiving services from government ministries for combat soldiers during emergencies.”

In addition, the government says that it will initiate what it describes as “controlled data sharing” with local authorities in order to provide aid and benefits, while “formal recognition of military service will be established in state service tenders.”

“We promised to strengthen the IDF and its servicemen and women — and we are delivering,” Netanyahu boasts, calling career service people “the backbone” of the military.

“Since entering office, I have toured the field dozens of times, and in every visit I hear more from career soldiers and reservists about the personal and professional challenges they face,” says Katz, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Eyal Zamir insists that “the state is obliged to stand behind those who bear its security on their shoulders.”

“Anyone who places Israel’s security above all else deserves significant recognition — not just in words. This plan is far more than a budgetary line — it’s a moral statement and a powerful expression of the nation’s appreciation for those serving in permanent service, who, together with their spouses and families, bear the burden of Israel’s security,” says Smotrich — adding that “we will continue to act for career soldiers, reservists, and everyone who does everything to protect our home.”

Smotrich recently threatened that his Religious Zionism party will stop voting with the coalition until the Knesset passes legislation providing tax credits for IDF reservists.