Reservists to be granted increased housing benefits under new government plan

The Israeli government announced a new program to expand housing benefits for IDF reservists, providing approximately 20,000 housing solutions, including 16,000 apartments, in 2026-2027. The program includes increased priority in apartment discount lotteries and exemptions from land value payments for construction. Prime Minister Netanyahu, Housing Minister Katz, and Finance Minister Smotrich praised the initiative as historic support for reservists.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a new program on Sunday to help IDF reservists find affordable housing. The program, titled "From Reserve Duty to a Key," aims to expand housing benefits and provide approximately 20,000 housing solutions, including 16,000 apartments, in 2026 and 2027. One feature is increased priority in apartment discount lotteries. In the latest iteration, 25,354 reservists participated, of which 4,734 won. The percentage of reservist winners will increase, and the discount will amount to more than NIS 500,000. Katz praised the system, saying another 20,000 units would be added to the pool. Reservists who wish to construct housing will also receive increased benefits and be exempted from payment for the value of the land. Netanyahu praised the initiative as historic, noting the government has transferred NIS 25 billion to reservists and their families. Smotrich described the plan as part of a greater show of appreciation, saying all reservists without housing who applied for the lottery will receive an apartment.