IDF & National Service — Military and National Service Options for New Immigrants

Source: Israeli Government Guide for New Immigrants · 2026-05

78 Military Service in the Immigrant Reserves or the Academic Officers Track The Immigrant Reserves is a military track for new immigrants who completed their high school studies abroad and are interested in studying for an academic or technical degree before their military service. The objective of the program is to enable young new immigrants to integrate into studies before service in the IDF. The conditions of service in the program are the same for men and women. Eligibility is in accordance with the IDF criteria. Young new immigrants who have graduated high school in Israel may sign up to the academic officers track through the regular track. Reserve Duty (Miluim) Israeli citizens who do annual reserve duty are eligible for compensation from the National Insurance Institute. For detailed information go to the local NII branch near you. The NII website: https://www.btl.gov.il/benefits/Reserve_Service/Pages/default. aspx There is a booklet called “National Insurance” on the website of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration: https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/education_and_ welfare_tuota/he/BituachLeumi_en_1507.pdf National (Non-Military) Service (Sherut Leumi) New immigrants or returning minors (men or women) who are recognized as “lone” servers in National Service (Sherut Leumi), may receive a monthly grant from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration on condition that the service has begun within 5 years of aliyah (an Ethiopian - immigrant - within 10 years of aliyah). The duration of the voluntary service must be at least one year in order to receive the grant.