Government Extends Free Public Transport for Evacuees Through December 15

The government approved Transport Minister Miri Regev’s proposal on Sunday to extend free public transport for eligible evacuees by another month, through December 15, 2026. The benefit covers residents evacuated from their homes who have not yet returned, subject to the eligibility rules in government decisions. Eligible passengers can continue travelling without charge throughout Israel on buses, Israel Railways and light rail using a national monthly pass loaded onto Rav-Kav. The groups covered include evacuees from Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion, as well as residents of Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Nir Oz, where essential work enabling their return remains unfinished. People returning to Israel and their family members are also covered where they meet the government’s eligibility definitions. Passengers must still validate every journey despite the fare exemption. Eligible applicants can obtain the benefit through HopOn and Rav-Kav Online after their eligibility is checked. Anyone missing from the eligibility lists should contact their local authority to update their details. Regev said the continued assistance would help eligible households reach workplaces, educational institutions and essential services while awaiting their return home. The Transport Ministry announced the previous extension on August 25, setting November 15 as its end date. In that announcement, Regev said, “Evacuees deserve to know that the state stands beside them throughout the journey.” The ministry explained then that each monthly pass lasts 30 days and can be renewed according to eligibility.