The Israeli government launched 'From Reserve Duty to a Key,' a programme to expand housing benefits for IDF reservists and deliver about 20,000 housing solutions, including roughly 16,000 apartments, in 2026–2027. Reservists will receive higher priority in discounted apartment lotteries and larger average discounts — expected to exceed NIS 500,000 per unit. Builders among reservists will be exempted from land-value payments, and the government says the measures build on around NIS 25 billion already provided to soldiers and their families.
Israel Unveils 'From Reserve Duty to a Key' — 20,000 Housing Solutions for IDF Reservists
IDF soldiers conducting counterterrorism operations in the Gaza Strip, September 14, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON
The Israeli government on Sunday announced a new housing initiative aimed at making homeownership more accessible for IDF reservists. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz unveiled the programme, titled "From Reserve Duty to a Key", which officials say will deliver roughly 20,000 housing solutions — including about 16,000 apartments — across 2026 and 2027.
Plan Details
The package expands reservists' priority in the state's discounted apartment lotteries and increases the size of the subsidy per unit. In the most recent lottery round, 25,354 reservists entered and 4,734 won; the government said the share of reservist winners will be raised and that the average discount per apartment will exceed NIS 500,000.
FINANCE MINISTER Bezalel Smotrich holds a press conference ahead of the vote on the state budget at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, March 29, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Reservists who want to build homes will receive stronger support under the plan, including exemption from paying the land-value component. Officials said the changes are intended to both raise supply and speed access to affordable housing for those who serve.
Officials' Statements
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the measures as a historic expansion to increase housing solutions for reservists and praised the government's broader support for the armed forces.
Construction Minister Haim Katz said: 'Those who gave must also know how to receive,' and announced an increase in the pool of discounted units available to reservists.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich framed the package as part of an ongoing effort to support both regular and reserve soldiers since the start of the war, saying the government has been 'wrapping IDF fighters and commanders in a huge umbrella of billions upon billions.' He also pledged that reservists without housing who applied to the 'Discount Apartment' lottery will receive an apartment.
Context And Timeline
The government noted that it has already provided around NIS 25 billion in transfers and support to soldiers and their families through decisions and legislation. The new housing measures are slated to be implemented across 2026 and 2027 and are presented as a complement to existing benefits and discounts.
Officials say the package aims to both reward reservists for their service and address housing affordability by increasing supply and deepening subsidies. Implementation details, eligibility rules and rollout schedules will be set by the relevant ministries in the coming months.
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