# Plain Language Summary: Israeli Defense Forces Service Protections Bill

This bill would extend certain legal protections to American citizens who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. Right now, federal law provides special protections to people serving in the U.S. military—things like protection from eviction, foreclosure, and certain legal proceedings while they're on active duty. This bill would apply similar protections to Americans who volunteer to serve in Israel's military instead of (or in addition to) serving in the American armed forces.

The main protections being extended include safeguards under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which is a federal law designed to help military personnel focus on their duties without worrying about losing their homes or facing lawsuits back home. For example, it can delay eviction proceedings, reduce interest rates on debts incurred before service, and provide other financial protections. By amending federal law to recognize Israeli military service, Americans fighting for Israel would get the same kinds of legal breaks that American soldiers receive.

This is a relatively narrow bill that only affects Americans who choose to serve in a foreign military. It doesn't change anything about how the U.S. military operates or affect most Americans. However, it does represent a policy decision to treat Israeli military service the same way the government treats American military service, which some people support as recognizing a close ally and others might view as unusual since the U.S. typically reserves such protections for its own armed forces.

To amend title 38, United States Code, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to provide for the eligibility of United States citizens who serve in the Israeli Defense Forces for certain protections relating to such service.

Reschenthaler, Guy

<p>This bill provides eligibility to U.S. citizens who are serving in the Israeli Defense Forces for benefits and protections available under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Specifically, the bill requires the service of such citizens to be regarded in the same manner as service in the uniformed services under USERRA or military service under SCRA.</p><p>The&nbsp;USERRA provides protections for members of the uniformed services regarding employment and reemployment rights, including in matters with state and private employers. The SCRA provides financial and legal protections to active-duty servicemembers, including by suspending certain judicial proceedings or financial responsibilities that may adversely affect them during military service.</p>