A Knesset hearing on Tuesday approved an additional monthly stipend of 2,000 shekels for former Hamas hostages, as well as full granting of all disability rights with a 50 percent disability rating.
Additionally, returning hostages will receive a rehabilitation grant of NIS 50,000, a yearly disability tag and full medical coverage for three years.
On Tuesday, 15 Knesset members supported the government’s proposed bill without any opposition or abstentions.
Under the initial law, the monthly payment to returning hostages would increase from the current 1,395 shekels to 3,300 shekels, and those recognized as returning prisoners after October 7 would be given a one-time adjustment grant of 50,000 shekels.
Finally, those who were taken hostage on October 7 and are recognized as returning hostages will be entitled to all the rights of disabled IDF veterans or victims of enemy attack, including a 50% disability rate for post-traumatic stress disorder and full medical coverage for 36 months.
Enhanced Support
“Return to Life” Rehabilitation Center (Photo: SHLOMI YOSEF)
The legislation also provides that funds will be provided to address the special medical needs of the Oct. 7 hostages, for treatment costs not covered by health insurance or state health insurance.
“This amendment has been proposed at the request of and in coordination with hostage managers. In this context, it should be noted that many of the hostages have lost family members, relatives and friends, some of whom have been kidnapped and some are still being held as bargaining chips. Many of them have lost their homes and the ongoing conflict has prevented them from returning to their communities,” the law states.
“Those released are therefore forced to deal not only with the psychological difficulties resulting from their abduction and captivity as a bargaining chip, but also with the profound loss of loved ones, the abduction of relatives who have returned to Gaza or who are still being held, and the transition to alternative, usually temporary, living conditions.”
These are complex and difficult situations that require ongoing emotional resources and immediate medical, psychological and financial support.”