National Insurance Institute Reports 87,000 Israelis Affected by Hostilities Since Oct. 7

Israel's National Insurance Institute, known as "Bituah Leumi," has reported that 87,286 Israeli civilians have been affected by hostile actions since October 7, 2023. This figure, released on October 4, does not include security forces or self-defense unit members, who are tracked by the Ministry of Defense. The report indicates that 778 civilians were killed on October 7 itself, with an additional 251 killed in the subsequent days, bringing the total civilian death toll to 1,029, including 63 individuals under the age of 18. The institute's figures encompass those killed or injured on October 7 and during subsequent military operations, such as "People's Arrow" and "Lion's Roar," which involved conflict with Iran. Approximately 43,000 affected individuals have applied to Bituah Leumi for disability recognition due to injuries sustained, with 40,000 applications approved so far. The institute has disbursed over 6 billion shekels to those affected by hostilities, families of the deceased, and hostage families over the past three years. Additionally, Bituah Leumi provided various benefits, including to reservists, evacuees, and residents of northern and southern Israel who suffered economic losses. The institute also issued payments to nearly 100,000 citizens placed on unpaid leave during "People's Arrow" and almost 200,000 during "Lion's Roar," with payments for these two operations alone exceeding 2 billion shekels.