Israel’s Ministry of Defense, National Insurance Institute, and the Task Force under the Prime Minister’s Office are advancing legislation to expand benefits for hostages who have returned from captivity.
Under the proposed amendment, which has been published for public review, any hostage—civilian or soldier—who was kidnapped on October 7 and returned alive will automatically be entitled to all the rights granted to an IDF veteran or terror attack survivor with a 100% disability rating, without the need to appear before a medical committee.
List of Benefits
The recognition will be granted permanently and will include full, lifelong medical treatment, psychological support, access to medication, advanced rehabilitation services, funding for psychological and psychiatric care, employment assistance, vocational training, scholarships for higher education, housing grants, and financial aid for purchasing a home.
Additionally, the plan includes grants for purchasing and adapting a vehicle for medical needs, full exemption from income tax, discounts on property taxes and municipal fees, reduced fares for public transportation, and extensive social welfare support.
The amendment is being advanced with a holistic perspective on the condition of returning hostages, based on the rehabilitation and medical experience gained in recent months, which highlights the long-term effects of their traumatic ordeal. The goal of the proposal is to provide comprehensive and continuous support to all former hostages as part of Israel’s commitment to its citizens and soldiers.
