The Knesset approved in the second and third readings a law on the payment of benefits to workers sent on unpaid leave during the Roar of the Lion war against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026.
According to the approved scheme, the right to unemployment benefits will be provided to those who have been on unpaid leave for at least 10 consecutive days, and not 30 days, as under the usual rules.
At the same time, the required insurance period has also been reduced: now six months of work out of the last 18 months is enough instead of the usual 12 out of 18. For some categories, including evacuees, people with disabilities, new repatriates, single parents and released military personnel, the plan provides even more preferential conditions.
According to the new law, those who are approved for unpaid leave under this scheme will be paid from the first day without deducting five days of leave, as was the case before.
The National Insurance Service (Bituach Leumi) emphasizes that the scheme also applies to workers over 67 years of age, for whom a special grant is provided.
For now, the law will be in force until April 14, 2026. If the war continues, the Israeli government will consider extending the scheme for another month, until May 14.