Reservists
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New Report Reveals Severe War Impact on Young Israelis' Futures
A new Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute report reveals that three years of war have severely impacted young Israelis, with over 35% delaying or canceling studies and 61% facing employment disruptions.

Masiatech Helps IDF Reservists Reintegrate Into Israel's Tech Sector
The Masiatech association helps IDF reservists returning from combat reintegrate into the high-tech job market through 360-degree mentoring by industry leaders.

Partner TV+ Hosts Memorial Event Highlighting Reservists' PTSD and Heroism
Partner communications hosted a special broadcast dedicated to October 7 memorial stories, highlighting reservists' mental struggles, PTSD, and the vital need for accessible psychological support.

Haifa Court Fines Factory 140,000 NIS for Unlawful Wartime Firing
A Haifa labor court ordered a company to pay 140,000 NIS to an employee fired shortly after taking leave to care for her children during her husband's reserve duty.

IDF Reservists Frustrated Over 'Fighter' Card Restrictions at Base Stores
IDF reservists in northern Israel expressed frustration online after base stores refused to accept their state-issued 'Fighter' benefit cards due to strict Ministry of Defense retail category regulations.

Israel's Defense Budget Soars Past 540 Billion Shekels Amid Multi-Front War
Three years of multi-front war have pushed Israel's defense budget to 540 billion shekels, straining reserve forces and highlighting severe personnel shortages as military expenditures continue to soar.

Three Years of War: How the IDF Overhauled Its Defense and Intelligence Doctrine
Three years after October 7, the IDF has overhauled its defense doctrine, increasing alert forces up to sixfold and implementing proactive security measures across all borders.

IDF Reservists Face Silent Struggle as NGOs Call for National Support Standard
Three years after October 7, thousands of IDF reservists suffer from unaddressed combat stress. Three NGOs are calling on the state to establish a national support standard for returning soldiers.

From Battlefield to Pitch: How Israeli Reservists Find Unity Through Soccer
The Toto Reservists League brings hundreds of Israeli reservists from the battlefield to the soccer pitch, offering a therapeutic sports framework to maintain military bonds.
Three Years of War: ERAN Hotlines Report Surge in Loneliness and Youth Distress
Three years into the war, ERAN hotlines report over 928,000 psychological support requests. Data highlights a sharp rise in loneliness and an alarming increase in suicidal thoughts among youth.

Gaza Envelope Communities Warn of Severe Defense Shortages Amid IDF Budget Crunch
A significant gap between promised defense and reality has emerged in Gaza envelope communities, as security coordinators report acute troop shortages amid IDF budget constraints and unapproved reserve attachments.

Halevi Reveals Netanyahu Rejected Proposal to Dismiss Refusing Reservists
Former IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi revealed he urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dismiss reservists refusing duty, a proposal Netanyahu rejected, warning of severe fallout.
Israel's War Costs Reach Tens of Billions as Mental Health Toll Mounts
A National Insurance Institute report reveals that Israel spent tens of billions on the civilian toll of the war, highlighting 58 billion in reservist pay and a surge in mental health disabilities.
Israel Extends Reserve Recruitment and Unlawful Combatant Detention Frameworks
The Israeli government has approved extending reserve recruitment frameworks under Order 8 and the detention of unlawful combatants through November 30, reducing the reserve cap to 200,000.
Grandma's Wheels: New Car-Lending Initiative Supports Reservists' Families
Grandson Zviiki Weil launched "Grandma's Wheels," an initiative providing cars for reservists at 25 shekels per day to help families during reserve duty.
Housing Ministry Resets Discount Apartment Portal Ahead of 2027 Lotteries
The Ministry of Construction and Housing temporarily closed the "Apartment on Discount" portal to adjust participant filters, prioritizing IDF reservists with a 75% quota for upcoming 2027 housing lotteries.
Israel Land Authority Waives Construction Extension Fees for Combat Reservists
The Israel Land Authority approved an exemption from construction extension fees for combat reservists in 2026, saving soldiers tens of thousands of shekels for delays caused by military service.
Israel Launches Sukkot Camp Financial Reimbursement for IDF Reservists
Israel launches a financial reimbursement program of up to 2,000 shekels for IDF reservist families covering children's Sukkot camps, easing holiday childcare expenses.

Israel Prepares Reserve Quota of 200,000 as Defense Minister Issues Stark Warning
The Israeli government is set to approve up to 200,000 reserve mobilization slots amid rising security tensions. Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning regarding potential abductions.

The Hidden Toll: Reserve Families Bear the Deep Psychological Cost of Long War
Reserve families in Israel face profound loneliness, burnout, and psychological toll nearly three years into the ongoing war, as communities and social organizations struggle to cope.

IDF Carmeli Brigade Reservists Face Sudden Personnel Cuts Before Syria Deployment
Carmeli Brigade reservists training for the Syrian border face sudden personnel cuts days before deployment, increasing the operational burden on remaining troops.
Bank Leumi Launches New 2% Subsidized Loan Fund for IDF Reservists
Bank Leumi and partners launch a new multi-million NIS fund offering subsidized 40,000 NIS loans at 2% interest for eligible IDF reservists.
Israel's Public Housing Inventory Rises in 2025 Following Decade-Long Decline
A Ministry of Construction and Housing report for 2025 shows public housing inventory grew to 47,299 units, halting a decade-long decline, while over 106,000 households received rent subsidies.

Over 1.2 Billion Shekels Donated to IDF Since October 7 War
Data shows over 1.2 billion shekels in donations have been given to the IDF since October 7. The funds provided critical equipment, infrastructure, and soldier welfare amidst ongoing budget disputes.

IDF Reservists Report Severe Living Conditions and Water Shortages at Lachish Base
IDF reservists training at the Lachish base report severe sanitation issues, broken infrastructure, water shortages, and poor living conditions, prompting calls for immediate upgrades.
Force 100 Reservists Launch Lawsuits After Indictments Dropped
Reservists from Force 100 gave a victory interview following the complete dismissal of their indictments, detailing their ordeal and launching legal action against Channel 12 and the former Military Advocate General.

IDF Introduces New Physical Fitness Standards for Reserve Troops
The IDF has unveiled new physical fitness standards for reservists, including mandatory pre-deployment running, shooting under stress, and tactical marches.

Ex-Manager Sues Maccabi for 446,000 Shekels Over Dismissal
A former Maccabi regional laboratory manager is suing the health fund for 446,000 shekels, alleging wrongful termination during reserve duty after refusing to switch his medical insurance.

Israeli Reservists Burdened With Unexpected Debts Over Bituach Leumi Errors
Months after discharge, tens of thousands of Israeli reservists face unexpected debts up to 30,000 NIS due to Bituach Leumi payment errors, sparking widespread outrage and financial distress.
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir: "We must increase the size of the IDF"
At a special tribute ceremony, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called for an expansion of the reserve pool. He emphasized that the IDF has shifted to a strategy of preemptive threat elimination amid a prolonged multi-front campaign.
The state is distributing land for 30 thousand shekels - but there is one condition
If you are a combat soldier, you will likely be able to win land in the south at an attractive price with relatively low development costs. The big question: which reservists can win the land?

Commander who completed a minyan for rioters in Qusra removed from command
The IDF has concluded its investigation into an incident where a reserve commander helped rioters complete a minyan while they besieged a Palestinian home. The officer has been removed from his command position but will remain in the army, while his soldiers will face no disciplinary action.
Good news for hundreds of thousands of Israelis: a grant of up to 2,500 shekels directly to the account
The "Household Economy" grant for active reservists is paid annually, and in 2026 some eligible individuals may receive an additional amount of up to 1,250 shekels. The money is transferred directly to the bank account, with no need to submit an application.

"The feeling is that they are trying to fool us": Soldiers left the lights on at a post on the Lebanon border - and left
The "Magen Natua" post, established after the war to provide an immediate response to infiltration, remained empty due to a shortage of manpower - but the lights in it continue to burn. "They simply left this post empty and gave the feeling that it was full," said Yoav Cohen, chairman of the moshav committee. "It feels like a fraud. Disappointing, worrying and humiliating."
The state gave them land for free - but the fighters stayed away
A tender in Kfar Tavor intended to provide reservists with land at affordable prices has seen low turnout. Despite the state offering land for free, high development costs pushed the total price to over 1.8 million shekels, leading to the disqualification of several bids.

In his hands: Ivri will enter first grade while dad is between reserve duty rounds
For thousands of families in Israel, the start of the school year comes again this year in the shadow of prolonged reserve duty. While other parents accompany their children to kindergarten and first grade, there are those who are forced to say goodbye again and head to Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. For 6.5-year-old Ivri, who will start first grade today, his father will be able to be there...

Female combat soldiers excluded from IDF driving course: "In the war they called us, now we have become unwanted"
Two days before the start of an operational driving course, female combat soldiers were informed it is now intended for "men only." One soldier whose participation was cancelled called the decision outrageous, noting that women were actively recruited during the war when their skills were needed.

Reality star: "An argument started, we had a huge fight. Suddenly a hand landed on both of us"
In the latest episode of "MasterChef", Nissim Zalait, who has served hundreds of days in the reserves since October 7, returned to a story about his best friend from his unit. "The sergeant told us: 'From now on you walk hand in hand. If I see that you went to the bathroom alone, you will get a month of confinement'."

They fought for their home — now they are building it in the Gaza envelope
10 families of reserve soldiers are in the process of moving to Holit, Kerem Shalom, and Sufa. As part of the "Homes for Fighters" pilot, the families will receive a grant of $100,000 to purchase a home in the kibbutz, subject to their acceptance as members.

The children of reservists: an initiative providing a break from the war
This summer, about 300 additional teenagers are participating in Jewish summer camps as part of a first-of-its-kind resilience program. The format provides a unique experience for the children of reservists, including those who lost family members in the "Iron Swords" war: "This is the power of the Jewish people as a human network that crosses borders."

The price of reserve duty for the economy: up to 68,000 shekels per month per soldier
According to the Ministry of Finance's chief economist, the economic cost of reserve duty has surged: about 39,000 shekels per month for men aged 22–30, and about 68,000 shekels for those aged 31–39.
Omer returned from Lebanon with trauma. His ex-wife used it in a custody battle
Reservists who seek mental health help following the war may find that their treatment summaries are used against them in proceedings concerning visitation rights with their children.

Emunah Women Host Appreciation Evening for Reservist Families
In the midst of summer vacation, the Emunah branch in Tiberias held a special appreciation evening for dozens of reservist families, offering them a moment of respite and joy during these challenging times.

New additions to Bennett's list: the man behind the "parliaments" and the head of the reserves staff
Naftali Bennett has added two field operations leaders, Zvi Plotnitsky and Tomer Weiner, to the "Behad" party's Knesset list. With their inclusion, the number of reservists on the list has reached eight.

Chief of Staff to Air Force fighters: "We will not be able to speak publicly about most of your operations"
Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir visited the fighters of the Air Force special units at the Palmachim base in the center of the country. To the reservists he said: "You are a central part of our capabilities, I salute you on behalf of all the people of Israel."

IDF launches summer of appreciation for reservists
After three years of war: The IDF says thank you to reservists and their families — with more than 70 summer events across the country for about 100,000 participants.

Fired while her husband was on reserve duty: Court ordered compensation of tens of thousands of shekels
An employee whose partner was drafted under 'Order 8' was forced to stay home with two toddlers and was suddenly fired under the pretext of 'activity reduction'. The Labor Court ruled that the dismissal was in violation of the Law on Protection of Employees in Emergency Situations and ordered the company to pay compensation of approximately 137,000 shekels.
Paying a double price: The immense economic burden on reservist families
A new study sheds light on the heavy economic burden placed on reservists and their families: more than half report increased household expenses and career damage following their service. The situation is also troubling for the general public: 77% of parents in Israel are forced to cut back on buying clothes for their children, and 45% feel that the situation harms their ability to provide a good...

"On this the elections will be decided": The mandate picture of those who bear the burden - and the figure that will worry Netanyahu
A Ynet and "Yedioth Ahronoth" poll reveals: about 70% of reservists say they will decide their vote based on the conscription issue, and the Likud is currently losing about two-thirds of its supporters in the serving sector. At the same time, in an open and pointed conversation, ten representatives of reserve organizations from the right and left agreed on almost everything - and sent a clear...

The New Divide
What was the divide between "Jews" and "Israelis" in the last three decades will be the divide between those who serve and those who do not in the coming years.