With a huge budget... Israel adopts a major plan to address the shortage in its army forces.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Gulf - Follow-ups: The Israeli government approved on Sunday a comprehensive plan worth 3.25 billion shekels (approximately $1 billion USD) dedicated to soldiers and officers in the Israeli army's regular service. The Hebrew newspaper "Maariv" attributed the reason for the plan to "containing the shortage of human resources in the army, especially in light of the leakage of soldiers and officers from compulsory service, and their intention to retire early." The plan includes assistance and incentives to compensate for the loss of income of the spouse, in addition to digital wallets, expansion of the assistance fund, grants, and benefits for purchasing housing units, conducting academic studies, and more. The plan coincided with the Israeli army's acknowledgment of facing difficulty in retaining regular soldiers and officers, especially in combat units and combat support units. This situation has forced regular forces to serve around the clock over the past two years, and the forces and their families have borne enormous workloads without additional compensation. Most families of regular forces have had to endure the absence of one of their members for long periods, leading to significant disruption in the family routine, according to a statement from the Israeli army. The army pointed to the gap that emerged in the situation of reserve soldiers compared to regular forces, most of whom intended to retire, citing the improvement of living conditions. According to military circles in Tel Aviv, the Israeli army currently needs thousands of regular forces, especially in the air defense, maintenance, and force reconstruction sectors through the rehabilitation of a large number of armored vehicles and combat equipment that have been out of service after two years of war. In detail, the Hebrew newspaper indicated the Israeli government's approval of a decision initiated, according to a statement issued by the government secretariat, by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in cooperation with the Israeli army, and with the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The decision includes a series of comprehensive social and economic measures to compensate officers and soldiers in the Israeli army's regular service. The total value of the new benefits amounted to 3.25 billion shekels during the period between 2025-2029. The decision will allow the provision of new grants and incentives to regular military service personnel, the establishment of an economic and moral support fund for service personnel and their families, in addition to personal digital wallets worth thousands of shekels, used to pay fees, social welfare, and entertainment. In addition, the Israeli government will enhance the opportunities for regular forces in the army to obtain housing units, with the aim of enhancing the economic security of individuals and encouraging them to continue long service in the army. The decision stipulates that soldiers who served in the Gaza war and lost their eligibility to join the "Educational Dimensions" program will receive a one-time grant to finance their higher education.