2,000 shekels per soldier and sanctions for draft dodgers: The Hendel and Zalicha plan

The Reservists and Economic Party, led by Yoaz Hendel and Yaron Zalicha, presented a conscription plan that includes mandatory service for all citizens, an additional 2,000 shekels for regular soldiers, and sanctions on draft dodgers. The two made anchoring the plan in legislation a condition for their entry into the next government.

Chairman of the Reservists and Economic Party, Yoaz Hendel, and Prof. Yaron Zalicha presented their party's conscription plan today (Tuesday, October 20, 2026). The plan mandates service for all citizens without exemptions, alongside extensive benefits for those who serve and personal sanctions on draft dodgers. The two clarified that they would anchor the plan's principles in legislation as a condition for joining the next government. The plan includes an addition of at least 2,000 shekels for every regular soldier, in a total budget of six billion shekels. Additionally, military or national service will become a key criterion for receiving discounts on housing, mortgages, daycare, and property taxes. Hendel criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu and called on Bezalel Smotrich to break away from the Haredi alliance. Zalicha criticized Naftali Bennett's promises in the housing sector. The article presents the main points of the plan and the statements of the two at the press conference.