Analysis of pension benefits for former military personnel in Israel and the prospects for adapting this experience to Ukrainian practice

Abstract

The study analyzes the pension provision system for individuals discharged from military service in Israel, considering its socio-economic, legal, and organizational-management features. Special attention is given to exploring the possibilities of implementing effective elements of this model into Ukrainian practice to enhance the level of social protection for veterans. The research is interdisciplinary and based on a comparative analysis, which allows identifying prospective directions for reforming the national pension system for military personnel. Purpose. The aim of this study is to examine the Israeli model of military pension provision and to substantiate the possibilities of adapting it to the Ukrainian context. The focus is on financing mechanisms, legal regulation, institutional support, and the level of social security after discharge from service. Methods.  The research is based on the application of the comparative analysis method, which enables the comparison of the pension systems of Ukraine and Israel. A systemic approach was used to study the interconnection between political, legal, and economic factors affecting the efficiency of pension systems. Through content analysis of legal acts, statistical data, and reports from international organizations, key features and advantages of the Israeli pension provision model were identified, which could be adapted to Ukrainian realities. Results. The study found that the pension provision system for discharged military personnel in Israel is characterized by a well-developed legal framework, stable financing, and effective mechanisms for social integration of veterans. A key feature of the Israeli model is the possibility of early retirement, the flexible combination of state and personalized pension support, and the existence of professional retraining programs and post-service support, which facilitate the successful adaptation of military personnel to civilian life after discharge.  Conclusions. The pension provision model for military personnel in Israel stands out for its high level of efficiency, which is determined by a comprehensive and systemic approach to supporting individuals after discharge from service. Given the current social and security challenges, Ukraine has the potential to adapt certain elements of this model. In particular, the implementation of mechanisms for early retirement, tax incentives, professional retraining programs, and access to specialized social services could significantly enhance the level of social protection for discharged military personnel. This, in turn, would promote their effective integration into civilian life and strengthen the national security and defense system.