Israeli lawmakers passed legislation on Tuesday that prevents the spouses of Israel Defense Forces reservists from being fired or put on unpaid leave amid the war on the Jewish state’s southern and northern borders, now in its eighth month.
The bipartisan proposal was drafted by MKs Ofir Katz of the ruling Likud Party and Naor Shiri from the opposition Yesh Atid Party.
The law prevents employers from dismissing or placing on unpaid leave the spouses of reservists on or just after active duty without the approval of the Israeli Defense Ministry’s employment committee.
The law also states that spouses who are approved for unpaid leave of at least 21 days will be entitled to a grant in lieu of unemployment benefits.
“We are sending an important message to our dear reservists, correcting the injustice done to some of the spouses and providing economic stability to them and our fighters, knowing that someone is looking after their families at home,” said Katz following the bill’s final approval.
Shiri added, “This is the beginning of a process that is expected to be long and intensive due to the great need for reservists that we will likely face in the coming years. We will continue to discuss and promote solutions for any additional needs that may arise.”
In January, the Knesset approved a $2.44 billion budget outline dedicated to supporting IDF reservists and their families.
Following the approval, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated: “There has not been reserve duty as long as this in the history of the State of Israel, not even in [the] Yom Kippur [War], and this is the product of a great spirit and huge backing. The people of Israel will win together and fully back the soldiers in the field.”
