Knesset passes bill ensuring support for families of released hostages

Stav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel

Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and supporters hold a press statement outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, March 18, 2025. (Yonatan SIndel/Flash90)
Families of Israelis held hostage in Gaza and supporters hold a press statement outside the Knesset in Jerusalem, March 18, 2025. (Yonatan SIndel/Flash90)

The Knesset has approved a bill ensuring continued psychological and medical care, as well as financial support, for families of hostages who return from captivity, according to a joint statement from the Defense Ministry, the National Insurance Institute, and the Hostages, Missing Persons and Returnees Directorate of the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to the statement, the approved legislation grants families an adjustment grant of up to NIS 30,000 ($8,000). It also ensures that the families will maintain certain benefits that they received while their loved one was in captivity, including rehabilitation assistance and psychosocial support.

“This measure recognizes that the family of a returned hostage plays an integral and central role in their recovery process while also requiring rehabilitation support themselves,” the statement explains.

According to the statement, families can also appeal to a special exceptions committee if additional support is needed due to the challenges they face.

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