Tel Aviv, May 11 -- The Israeli government on Sunday approved an NIS 3 billion (USD 840 million) benefits package for reserve soldiers in support for those serving on the front lines and their families, one of the largest single investments ever made in support of its reserve forces. The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Haredi Orthodox coalition partners issued veiled threats to trigger elections amid a deepening crisis over stalled legislation exempting Haredi yeshiva students from military service.

"Our reservists do everything for the country. We need to give them everything. Our rule is simple: whoever contributes to the country will be rewarded with compound interest. And that is what we did today -- in a series of ...