A bit of relief for IDF soldiers as the military has announced its first increase in assistance living over twenty years. The increase will impact lone soldiers and others who are entitled to housing assistance, which is increasing from the current NIS 1,040 to NIS 1,300 per month. Not a king’s ransom, but for a soldier, close to NIS 300 monthly may be substantial.

In fact, the experts report it is the first increase in assistance living payments in 22 years, and it will go into effect next month, March 2017 and payment will be retroactive from January 1, 2017.

The IDF has also increased salaries back in 2015. Combat soldiers were raised from NIS 1,077 monthly to NIS 1,616 monthly. Combat support soldiers increased from NIS 784 to NIS 1,176 and all others increased from NIS 540 to NIS 810. There are increasing audible calls to turn the system to a paid professional army and eliminate the abundance of waste of resources and manpower, offering soldiers who qualify a livable salary.

According to the IDF 28,000 soldier are receiving financial aid of one type or another and 20,000 soldiers are permitted to hold down part time jobs to help support their families.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)