Israel's War Toll: 87,000 Injured, $15 Billion Spent on Reservists

Three years after the events of October 7th, the National Insurance Institute has released a comprehensive report detailing the extensive human and economic costs of the ongoing conflict. The report reveals that 1,029 civilians have been murdered in terror attacks since the war began, excluding security forces and volunteer defense squads. On October 7th alone, 778 civilians were killed, with an additional 252 losing their lives in subsequent fighting. The war has claimed the lives of 63 children and teenagers, including six toddlers under three and five children aged four to six. These casualties have left behind 1,216 new orphans, 300 widows and widowers, and 1,204 bereaved parents, with 156 parents losing all their children.

Beyond fatalities, Israel is grappling with a significant number of injured civilians. The National Insurance Institute is currently assisting 87,286 civilians who are victims of hostile acts. While physical injuries are severe, including 24 amputees, the report highlights that the mental toll is the most profound. Of over 40,000 civilians recognized with permanent disability, nearly 35,000 have been classified based on psychological trauma, with thousands more suffering from combined physical and mental impairments.

The economic impact of the war is substantial, reflecting extensive government support. Due to prolonged service, the National Insurance Institute modified its payment system for reservists, providing monthly stipends instead of end-of-service bonuses, a measure costing over 58 billion shekels. Hundreds of millions of shekels have been distributed as aid to tens of thousands of civilians affected by the October 7th attacks in the Gaza envelope, combat zones, and music festivals. Additionally, housing grants for displaced residents from the north and south who relocated independently have exceeded 5 billion shekels.

The figures for housing grants underscore the ongoing conflict on the northern border. While approximately 1.3 billion shekels were paid in housing grants for those displaced from the south, the amount for the north surged to over 3.8 billion shekels. To prevent labor market collapse, extensive unemployment compensation was provided, along with over 1 billion shekels in return-to-work incentives for tens of thousands of evacuated citizens.

Zvika Cohen, Acting Director General of the National Insurance Institute, summarized the report, stating that the institute has been operating in a complex reality, providing broad support for war-related needs while continuing its regular services. He emphasized the dedication of the institute's staff in assisting citizens and affirmed their commitment to acting responsibly and sensitively for the public and Israeli society's resilience.