Smotrich wants to bring reservists home - rivals open fire: 'Now you woke up?'

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented a plan to reduce reserve duty days to 30 per year, including the return of about 50,000 soldiers to active service and expanding the enlistment of Haredim. The 'Bayit HaTzioni' party attacked sharply: 'After three years of war - now you woke up?' The plan also includes legislating a Basic Law for those who serve under the principle of 'first to equality'.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented a plan to reduce reserve duty days to 30 per year, already in 2027. The leading principle is 'more people - less time', meaning expanding the circle of those serving and dividing tasks among a larger number of soldiers. The plan includes bringing back about 50,000 soldiers to active service and expanding the enlistment of Haredim through the establishment of pre-military preparatory programs, Haredi hesder yeshivas, and frameworks for preparation for service. In addition, the plan includes legislating a Basic Law for those who serve under the principle of 'first to equality', which will give priority to those serving in housing, daycare, academic studies, and acceptance into civil service. Smotrich said at the launch of the plan: 'Our mission is to bring the reservists home. We will change the equation: more people for less time, not fewer people for more time. This plan will be a condition on our part for entering the next government.' In response, the 'Bayit HaTzioni' party attacked sharply: 'After three years of war - now you woke up?' and wrote: 'The Chief of Staff has been warning for months that the IDF suffers from a severe shortage of soldiers. And your solution? To reduce reserve days. How easy.'