Numerous Israeli and American nonprofits are raising concerns over new government regulations that have resulted in the cessation of donated equipment for Israeli soldiers.
In response, a government official has promised to address the issue.
The new policy aims to streamline processes at Israeli ports. However, the nonprofits argue that the regulations have made it more difficult for charitable goods to be imported, effectively preventing them from delivering supplies to soldiers in Israel.
“This policy change poses insurmountable bureaucratic challenges for volunteer organizations like ours,” said Adi Vaxman, head of Operation Israel, a charity based in New Jersey that has supplied millions of dollars worth of gear to Israeli soldiers.
Under the new system, the Israeli Economy Ministry allows registered commercial importers to bypass certain testing and inspections for low-risk products by attesting that they meet Israeli standards. The ministry estimates that processing fees and delays have increased the cost of imported goods by up to 9%.
Economy Minister Nir Barkat praised the reforms as a win for consumers.
“No shipping container will face delays at the port from now on, and merchandise will reach shelves directly without unnecessary bureaucracy or cost increases passed on to consumers,” he stated in a press release.
However, charities are not equipped to register as commercial importers under the new regulations and are therefore unable to benefit from the streamlined process due to lack of funding or expertise. They argue that the previous system exempted charities from bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for quick customs clearance. Additionally, a tax provision that previously benefited charities has also expired in recent months.
Vaxman and her team were taken aback by the change.
“At a time when Israel is facing significant threats, especially on the northern border, it is unacceptable that we are being asked to navigate complex import procedures designed for commercial entities, potentially delaying or preventing the delivery of life-saving equipment to those in need,” she emphasized.
The crisis resulting from the new import reforms highlights a major obstacle faced by volunteers working to secure military supplies: interference from the Israeli government, which has denied the existence of equipment shortages despite evidence to the contrary.
The donor pipeline that has been crucial in closing these gaps, essential for the safety of troops in the field according to military officers, is now at risk of being blocked. Vaxman recently delivered a letter signed by 26 volunteer groups to Barkat, seeking his assistance.
“We urge your immediate attention to this matter, especially in light of the escalation in the north,” the letter read. “The dedication and volunteerism of thousands worldwide committed to Israel’s security deserve support and encouragement, not additional bureaucratic burdens.”
The letter noted that the previous system included “an exemption on donations, which allowed us to respond swiftly to evolving needs on the ground.”
While the ministry has yet to formally respond to the letter, a spokesperson did not provide a clear answer on the implications of the new regulations. Nevertheless, Vaxman shared WhatsApp messages from the ministry’s director general, Amnon Merhav, assuring that the issue would be resolved.
“We acknowledge the issue caused by the reforms and are working to address it,” he stated. “We will extend the current provision regarding donations to prevent any issues for now.”
Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began, the Israeli military has faced shortages of critical gear, including protective and medical equipment, rifle scopes, and small drones.
Leaders from the Israeli military and Defense Ministry have repeatedly claimed that no shortages exist, despite evidence to the contrary. As a result, battlefield commanders and logistics officers have had to purchase equipment themselves or seek donations in violation of military rules.
Volunteers and Israeli military officers have established the necessary logistical infrastructure to fulfill requests, raise funds from abroad, purchase gear, and ship it to Israel. They have provided up to $1 billion worth of equipment, despite facing reluctance from potential donors due to the government’s denial of the problem.
“Potential donors question why they should contribute for gear when IDF officials claim that every soldier and unit have sufficient gear,” explained Daniel Polisar, who has raised millions for equipment purchases. “This is the main obstacle to fundraising for my team and other groups aiding in supplying our soldiers.”
Aside from the recent changes in Economy Ministry policy, donors also encounter other regulatory challenges. Combat gear is subject to a 17% value-added tax, whether purchased by a soldier for personal use or by a charity for an entire unit. While the government initially subsidized the VAT on soldier purchases, that funding has been depleted, unlike subsidies for donations to civilians affected by the conflict or supporting security efforts.
“It is frustrating to explain to donors that they must pay VAT on basic equipment like boots, in addition to the purchase cost,” said Michal Wachstock, a volunteer with Boots for Israel, which has distributed over 50,000 pairs of combat boots. “Ultimately, this means we can provide 17% fewer boots to the soldiers who truly need them.”