Full Breakdown
Bennett Proposes “Servants’ Revolution” to Redirect NIS 30 billion to IDF Reservists
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Proposal Unveiled in Tel Aviv
Former prime minister Naftani Bennett announced on October 11, 2026 that his B’Yachad party would reallocate NIS 30 billion earmarked for draft evaders to soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The plan, dubbed “The Servants’ Revolution,” promises a suite of benefits for reservists, including free daycare, subsidies that halve certain payments, and a NIS 1 million housing grant.
Political and Manpower Context
The proposal emerges amid an acute IDF manpower shortage after three years of war. IDF Chief of Staff Lt-Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that the force could “collapse” without a solution. Bennett’s stance also targets the coalition of Shas leader Arye Deri, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and former United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf, whose parties have backed legislation critics say does little to raise Haredi enlistment. Bennett’s B’Yachad party is positioned as a leading opposition force seeking to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the October 27 elections.
Official Statements & Responses
- “We will take NIS 30 billion from draft evaders and transfer it to those who serve. This is the Servants’ Revolution: Anyone who does not serve the state will not receive a single shekel from the state,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister
- “For 17 years, Netanyahu has been funding draft evasion in exchange for remaining in power. Netanyahu is dismantling the IDF, and he knows it. The IDF chief of staff has raised 10 red flags for him,” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister
- “As long as Netanyahu, [Shas party leader Arye] Deri, [Finance Minister Bezalel] Smotrich, and [former United Torah Judaism party leader Yitzhak] Goldknopf pay people not to enlist, who exactly will provide our soldiers with the reinforcements they need?” — Naftali Bennett, former prime minister
Data & Statistics
- NIS 30 billion slated for transfer from draft-evader allocations to serving reservists.
- Proposed NIS 1 million housing subsidy per eligible soldier.
- Benefits also include free daycare and payment-cut subsidies, though exact monetary values for the latter were not disclosed.
The plan’s feasibility hinges on legislative changes that would block state funding to draft evaders and redirect it to enlisted personnel, a move Bennett says is essential to avert the “collapse” warned by senior military officials. The upcoming October 27 election will determine whether this funding overhaul gains the political backing needed for implementation.