A soldier completing IDF service from a combat unit will be entitled to a free plot of land in the Negev or Galil, in one of the predetermined communities appearing on the benefits package listing, a perk worth an estimated NIS 100,000-NIS 150,000, a 250 square meter plot. The new reality is the direct result of the tireless efforts of Deputy Minister for the Advancement of Young People, Students & Women (Likud) Gila Gamliel, who enjoyed the support of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

The budget for the pilot project will be divided between the Ministry of Housing and the Prime Minister’s Office, permitting the veterans to receive a plot of land free of development costs as an incentive to settle in national priority areas and to assist those who give their utmost to the nation during military service. With the budget already in hand, the bill does not require cabinet approval.

Gamliel is also responsible for arranging a year’s free college tuition for former combatants in a school located in Yehuda, Shomron, Negev or Galil areas.

The deputy minister plans to finalize details with the IDF’s chief reserves duty officer, an officer of the rank of brigadier-general, hoping to attract reservists of the same units to the towns, wishing to take advantage of the generous opportunity to settle down and begin building a home.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)