The Knesset Ministerial Committee for Legislation is set to discuss a bill on Sunday that would provide monthly stipends to Israel Defense Forces soldiers or volunteers in the national service. The bill, proposed by MK Avishay Braverman (Labor), stipulates that the government would make monthly deposits of up to NIS 4,100 ($1,097, or the monthly minimum wage for an adult) starting in the second year of soldiers' or volunteers' service. The funds accumulated during their service would become available to them upon the completion of their duty. Combat soldiers and those serving in combat support units would get preferential treatment in terms of the amount of funding they would receive. According to the proposed legislation, 75 percent of the funds would be applied toward higher education, including trade schools, preparatory programs, universities and other facilities. "My initiative is not just another handout for soldiers to do as they please," Braverman said. "[The proposal] has an immense economic impact; beyond helping individuals, it applies resources toward higher education in Israel, which is currently in dire straits." Soldiers who serve at least a full three years, which is the mandatory service term for males, could potentially accumulate enough money to cover an academic degree, plus receive an additional NIS 1,000 ($265) stipend per month. The overall cost of the program to the government would be NIS 2 billion ($535 million). IDF soldiers currently receive a lump sum from the government upon their release from the military, plus an additional stipend for studies or starting a business. The amount varies according to length of service and whether or not the soldiers served in combat units, but former IDF soldiers currently receive between NIS 10,000 and 25,000 ($2,700 - $6,700).
Serve and learn: New bill would help IDF soldiers pay for education
Newly proposed legislation would fund higher education for soldiers and national service volunteers • "Beyond helping individuals, it applies resources toward higher education in Israel, currently in dire straits," says MK Braverman, who floated the bill.
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