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Officials said the initiative was intended to strengthen assistance, guidance, and support services for immigrant soldiers.
By Shula Rosen
The Israeli government approved a plan on Sunday to establish a new support framework for lone immigrant soldiers and new immigrants serving in the Israel Defense Forces, citing increased immigration and enlistment since the start of the “War of Revival.”
The proposal was advanced by Immigration and Absorption Minister Ofir Sofer, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli in cooperation with the Health Ministry.
Officials said the initiative was intended to strengthen assistance, guidance, and support services for immigrant soldiers, with particular emphasis on lone soldiers.
Under the government decision, a dedicated unit will be established within the Immigration and Absorption Ministry to provide support to immigrant soldiers before enlistment, during active service, and after discharge.
The unit will coordinate with the IDF and the Defense Ministry while operating as a complementary body to address service gaps.
The new framework will focus on language and cultural accessibility for existing military and state services, assistance with bureaucratic rights, emotional support during injuries or mental health difficulties, and communication with families abroad.
A special interministerial team will also be formed under the leadership of the directors general of the Defense and Immigration and Absorption ministries.
Representatives from the Health Ministry, the National Insurance Institute, the Diaspora Affairs Ministry, and the IDF will participate in efforts to formulate additional recommendations to expand assistance programs.
Sofer said he met parents of lone immigrant soldiers in France, Britain, and the United States following the outbreak of the war and said those discussions highlighted the need for broader support systems.
“Immigrants who choose to come precisely during this period embody Zionism and deep mutual responsibility. It is our duty to ensure they are not left alone,” Sofer said.
Katz said lone soldiers who “left family and home and chose to enlist” were contributing to operations in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, Judea and Samaria, and additional arenas.
“The lone soldiers who left family and home and chose to enlist are a symbol of Zionism and dedication,” Katz said.
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