Reserve duty is costing Israeli soldiers their careers and financial security
A new Latet report finds that nearly one-third of reservists say their financial situation has deteriorated since before the war, while 70.2% have postponed or abandoned educational or professional opportunities. Those who served the longest reported substantially greater damage to their income and career prospects.
A new report by Latet on the economic impact of reserve duty finds that many IDF reservists are facing severe financial hardship, with consequences extending beyond their current income to their careers, education and mental well-being. Nearly one-third of respondents said their financial situation had deteriorated since before the war, while 70.2% had postponed or abandoned educational or professional opportunities. More than a third reported significant setbacks in their careers.
The report was prepared by Latet’s research department, which also publishes the organization’s Alternative Poverty Report. It is based on a survey conducted this month among a representative sample of 400 reservists who have served since October 7, 2023.
Overall, 32.5% of respondents said their financial situation had worsened compared with the period before the war, including 8.2% who described it as “much worse.” By contrast, 18.8% said their situation had improved. The deterioration was more pronounced among lower-income respondents: 42.9% of those with below-average incomes reported a decline in their financial situation, compared with 25.6% of those with above-average incomes.
The report also points to a substantial toll on reservists’ future prospects. Some 70.2% said they had postponed or given up on at least one educational or professional opportunity. These included pursuing studies (40.2%), receiving a promotion (36.5%), moving to a new role (30.5%) and expanding a business (17.2%). Overall, 35.2% reported significant professional setbacks.
The impact was particularly pronounced among those who had served for more than 240 days since October 7, 2023, who accounted for 41.2% of respondents. In this group, 39.4% reported a major negative impact on their income, compared with 28.9% among those who had served fewer days. Nearly half (49.7%) reported a major negative impact on their professional development, almost twice the 25.1% recorded among the rest of the respondents. Meanwhile, 52.1% said they had given up on a promotion, compared with 25.5% of those who had served fewer days.
According to the researchers, these findings suggest that prolonged reserve duty carries a professional cost that is not fully reflected in current income figures. Among respondents who had served more than 180 days over the past year, 50% reported a major negative impact on their income, compared with 26.9% among those who had served between 61 and 120 days.
The financial pressure has also forced many reservists to draw on their own resources. Some 57.8% said they had taken steps to cope with the strain, including postponing significant expenses (36.2%), using savings (30.5%) or taking out a loan (27%). Among respondents whose financial situation had deteriorated, 90.8% reported taking such measures, compared with 41.9% of those whose situation had not worsened. The findings suggest that many reservists are covering financial shortfalls by depleting savings or taking on debt.
Only 23.5% said the assistance and compensation provided by the military had adequately addressed their difficulties. Another 36.8% described the response as minimal or non-existent.
The report also found a deterioration in mental well-being. Some 41.2% of respondents said their mental health had worsened compared with the period before the war, including 8.2% who described it as “much worse.” Just 13.2% reported an improvement.
The researchers’ findings point to the need for support that extends beyond financial assistance. Mental health difficulties, including post-traumatic stress and depression, can also affect a person’s ability to work and earn an income, potentially compounding financial distress. Among respondents whose financial situation had deteriorated, 66.2% also reported a decline in mental well-being, compared with 29.3% of those whose finances had not worsened. Overall, 21.5% reported a deterioration in both their financial situation and mental health, highlighting the need for coordinated economic and psychological support.
Latet, an umbrella organization for nonprofits providing food assistance, has identified a growing pattern of financial distress among reservists, according to its CEO, Eran Weintraub. The organization established an aid fund for reservists that provided monthly assistance during 2026 to more than 1,000 families for at least six months. Each family received NIS 250 a month, with total assistance exceeding NIS 2 million.
The Latet report is the second study published this month to highlight the long-term impact of the war on young people and reservists. A separate report by the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute, covered by Calcalist, also found that the conflict has disrupted education, employment and financial stability among young people.
According to that report, 35.9% of young people had postponed or abandoned their studies because of the war. Among those who had already begun studying, 42.2% said they had either temporarily suspended their education (37.5%) or dropped out altogether (4.7%). The report also found that 61% of young people had experienced the end of their employment during the war, through layoffs or unpaid leave, while 52% said the conflict had impaired their ability to meet ongoing financial obligations.
First published: 15:53, 21.10.26
