Reserve couples, women losing jobs: The survey that holds a mirror to the parties

A new survey by the Forum of Reserve Soldiers' Wives, published for the first time in "Hayom", reveals that 16% of women are not working – compared to 8% a year and a half ago. 83% of self-employed women report a decline in income, and 65% of families have been forced to cut expenses. The article examines the promises of various parties to reserve soldiers and their families ahead of the elections.

A new survey by the Forum of Reserve Soldiers' Wives, published for the first time in "Hayom", reveals alarming data on the employment and economic situation of reserve soldiers' wives about three years into the "Swords of Iron" war. The survey, conducted among 1,045 women, shows that 16% of women are currently not working – double the 8% in March 2025. 70% of non-working women said they stopped working due to their partner's reserve service. 69% of women feel a negative change in their employment situation, a 24% increase compared to March 2025. Among self-employed women, 83% reported a decline in income, and a third feel damage to their professional reputation. 60% feel harm to their career path, and 64% are not realizing their professional potential – more than double the national average. 65% of families have taken economic austerity measures, including using savings and seeking assistance. The forum's CEO, Miriam Amadi, stated that this is ongoing damage. Ahead of the elections for the 26th Knesset, the article examines the parties' promises: Likud refused to respond, Yashar! commits to graded benefits, Together to significant discounts, Otzma Yehudit to fighter compensation, Democrats to equal burden and a resilience package, Yisrael Beiteinu to universal mandatory conscription, and Religious Zionism to reducing reserve days to 30 per year.