The bill for the recognition and compensation for the families of the abducted and missing persons was approved this evening (Monday) in the Knesset on its second and third readings, with 18 Knesset members voting in favor and no opposition. The bill, which has more than 80 Knesset members' signatures, will anchor the recognition, rights, and compensation for the families in primary legislation.
At the end of the debate, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz said, "We succeeded in passing an important law here with comprehensive and wide-ranging financial compensation, and that is the basic and obligatory thing from our side. I say to the families of the abducted and missing, we apologize for the situation you have come to, we are responsible for this situation, and we are also responsible for continuing to do everything so that your loved ones return home. We strengthen the families and will continue to assist at all times. I thank the Committee Chairman Yisrael Eichler for his exceptional dedication and to the representatives of the families who worked with us on the proposal."
The approved proposal establishes that the families of the abducted and missing will receive rights that will be equivalent to those of a bereaved family member according to the Families of Soldiers Missing in Action Law or Victims of Hostilities Law. This includes monthly compensation ranging from 9,000 to 13,000 NIS, depending on the proximity to the abducted or missing person. Additionally, it provides an economic and welfare benefits package and care.
In addition, the proposed law defines an additional layer of special grants for the families of the abducted and missing, which will be distributed quarterly to assist in funding family activities aimed at the release of the abducted individuals and locating the missing. The primary grant, totaling 90,000 NIS per quarter, will be distributed among family members as defined by the law. Initially, it will be distributed among the spouse and parents of the abductee or missing person, and in their absence, among other family members. Additionally, each adult sibling of the abductee or missing person will also receive 21,000 NIS per quarter.
The recognition in the law applies to all the abducted and missing individuals, including citizens and those who are not citizens but entered Israel legally, as well as those who were abducted or classified as missing in a manner that aligns with the legal definitions even before October 7, 2023. The payments will be made from this date onwards.
The law also includes adult step-siblings, under the conditions defined in the law, where at least one of them has not yet reached the age of 21 and they reside in the same household. The issue was discussed after Odin and Stav Aravah Eliaz, step-siblings with two step-sisters who were abducted, came to the committee and demanded recognition under the proposed law. The definition of closeness as defined by the law will be examined based on the applicant's statement and records from the Ministry of Interior.