Bennett's Party Files Bill to Expand Benefits for Reservists and Discharged Soldiers

Naftali Bennett's B'Yachad party has submitted a bill to expand financial benefits for active reservists and discharged soldiers, proposing help with childcare, household bills, housing and university tuition.

Under the proposal, active reservists would receive NIS 4,000 a month toward childcare. They would also receive half-price utility bills, municipal taxes, public transportation and government fees, along with benefits for purchasing a first home.

Discharged combat soldiers would qualify for free university tuition, while other discharged soldiers would receive a 50% tuition discount.

B'Yachad says the package would be funded by changing eligibility rules and stopping funds currently provided to households that do not participate in military service or the workforce. The proposed changes could affect subsidies received by Haredi families.

The proposal comes as United Torah Judaism lawmakers advance separate legislation to protect yeshiva students' draft exemptions. One bill would allow annual service deferrals until age 26, followed by a full exemption, while another would freeze arrests and other criminal enforcement against draft evaders until legislation regulating their status is completed.

The competing proposals expose a divide between parties involved in coalition discussions. The benefits package has been submitted as legislation, not enacted, and there is no clear path to passage while negotiations continue.