IDF Veteran Slams Lack of Care for Combat Trauma Victims

Following a tragic incident in Netanya where a Border Police officer, reportedly suffering from combat trauma, was shot and killed by security forces who mistook him for a terrorist, IDF veteran Itzik Seidian spoke out about the inadequate support for soldiers experiencing combat stress.

Seidian, an advocate for combat trauma survivors, stated in an interview that the officer, David Amrani, was known to be suffering from combat trauma but was not receiving treatment and was not recognized by the rehabilitation department. He highlighted a systemic issue where families cannot intervene in treatment matters or file claims on behalf of soldiers. Assistance is only provided if the individual themselves applies, which is often impossible for those in severe distress.

"The war after the war is real," Seidian emphasized, describing combat trauma as a difficult, internal struggle that is harder to fight than physical combat. He explained that unlike active combat, where the enemy is visible, combat trauma involves an internal, incomprehensible battle that soldiers don't know how to fight.

Seidian also commented on recent Knesset legislation aimed at supporting combat trauma victims. He described the law as currently declarative, defining combat trauma as distinct from regular post-traumatic stress disorder with unique symptoms and treatment needs. He sees this as a crucial first step in acknowledging combat trauma as a specific injury requiring specialized care and rehabilitation, noting that the war has just begun and more comprehensive measures will be necessary.