Israeli military reservists who were called up for at least three days during Operation Protective Edge over the summer can request compensation for any economic damage they may have incurred as a result, the Israel Defense Forces announced on Sunday. The IDF said it had opened a special 30 million shekel ($7.8 million) fund to cover the expenses. Tens of thousands of reservists were drafted in July and August. The fund is independent of their annual compensation for military service, usually received in May. The fund aims to compensate and reimburse reservists who were hit financially during the Gaza operation -- independent business owners, employees whose salaries were affected, or those who had purchased airplane tickets but missed their flights because of being called to urgent duty. The IDF believes that 30 million shekels is enough to cover all such expenses, although, according to the fund's mandate, if more money is required, "a committee will be authorized to give preference to reservists who are students or have families." In the 2006 Second Lebanon War, 45 million shekels ($11.6 million) were allotted for reservists, but only 23 million shekels ($5.9 million) were used. "The compensation fund was created to help reservists who were hit financially as a result of participating in the fighting or being called up for reserve duty on short notice," IDF human resources director Maj. Gen. Sammy Holzkan said. An army official said Sunday that the goal is to deal with every reservist's request within two weeks of submission. The latest date to submit an appeal will be March 2015. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Harel Knafo, head of the IDF Staff and Command College, convened the committee that recommends military citations to discuss candidates from Operation Protective Edge. The committee will present its recommendations to GOC Southern Command Maj. Gen. Sami Turgeman and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz.
IDF to spend 30 million shekels on compensating reservists for Gaza war
Israeli military notifies reservists who served at least three days in Operative Protective Edge that they can appeal for compensation for economic losses • IDF believes 30 million shekels ($7.8 million) will be enough to cover all expenses.
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