IDF warns thousands of reservists of criminal liability

Following the exposure of a fraud mechanism in an "Ha-Yom" investigation last April, which documented criminal elements offering reservists ways to "claim benefits" through forged invoices, the IDF Manpower Directorate (AKA) issued an official and unequivocal statement today (Sunday) to all reservists.

In the notice, the IDF clarifies that financial reimbursements from the Assistance Fund are intended solely for expenses actually incurred. The army emphasizes that submitting false documents or providing incorrect information is not only a violation of fund procedures but may also constitute a criminal offense in every respect.

"Processing will be halted; the matter will be referred for enforcement"

In a move intended to deter thousands of soldiers estimated to have fallen victim to or been dragged into this scheme, the IDF is setting a clear red line:

"In cases where there is suspicion of submitting false documents or information, the processing of the request will be stopped, and the case will be transferred for examination by authorized bodies and law enforcement agencies."

Beyond the criminal risk, the army clarifies that every shekel received fraudulently "will be required to be returned immediately."

In the investigation published in "Ha-Yom" in April, we documented how figures operating under aliases like "Daniel" and "Ron Miluim" operate on social media, collecting personal details from soldiers and submitting fictitious invoices from real businesses on their behalf—often without the business owners' knowledge—all for a commission of up to a third of the amount they managed to "extract" from the IDF.

The warning: avoid "intermediary bodies"

One of the most concerning points in the investigation was the ease with which this fraud infiltrated the military system, even receiving encouragement from reservists and career soldiers who viewed it as a legitimate "realization of rights." The IDF is now seeking to halt this phenomenon and is instructing service members explicitly:

1. Use official channels only: Act solely through authorized IDF websites and channels.

2. Stay away from scammers: Avoid relying on parties promising "shortcuts" or illegal fund acquisition.

For reservists who have encountered suspicious publications or require clarification, the army refers them to the official reserve call center and the dedicated reserve website.