Israel's Defense Ministry Rehabilitation Department Aids 30,000 War Wounded

The Israeli Ministry of Defense's rehabilitation department has provided assistance to approximately 30,000 soldiers and security personnel wounded since the start of the current war. A report released ahead of the third anniversary of the "Black Saturday" attacks indicated that 63% of these individuals are experiencing psychological consequences from the conflict. The total number of individuals receiving rehabilitation from all security forces, including those injured in previous conflicts and terror attacks, has reached 91,200. Of this total, 46% suffer from mental health issues and PTSD.

The budget for the rehabilitation department has increased by 88% over the past three years, now standing at approximately 10 billion shekels. Over 60% of this budget is allocated to mental health care and treatment. Since October 7, 2023, the department has admitted around 30,000 war-wounded individuals. Among these, 47% are under 30 years old, 8% are women, and 62% are reservists. While 37% sustained physical injuries, 63% are dealing with psychological trauma.

Projections suggest that by 2028, the department will be treating around 100,000 wounded individuals, with half requiring treatment for mental health conditions. Among the most severely injured from the "Iron Swords" war, 63 have a 100% disability rating or higher, 249 have suffered severe head injuries, 29 have become blind, and 106 have had limbs amputated. Ninety-five percent of those who underwent amputations have received advanced prosthetics, including those designed for sports and leisure activities.

In July, the government adopted recommendations from a public commission to enhance the national system for assisting and treating wounded soldiers. Key among these is the planned transformation of the rehabilitation department into a "National Directorate for Rehabilitation and Treatment of Wounded IDF Soldiers and Security Personnel." The commission also proposed assigning a personal contact to each wounded individual, streamlining injury recognition and disability assessment processes, promoting employment that aids rehabilitation, establishing a "house for life" for those with severe head injuries, and developing specific support measures for single soldiers and wounded women.

Alongside the rise in casualties, the scope of assistance has significantly expanded. The department has provided around 171,000 alternative therapy sessions this year. The "Nefesh Achad" helpline received approximately 16,500 calls over the past year. Currently, 470 emotional support dogs are assisting individuals with mental health conditions, with an additional 330 in training. The number of mental health specialists and programs has tripled since the war's outset to approximately 2,300.

New services include a mobile emergency response team and a crisis unit that make home visits for individuals in acute psychological distress. Other initiatives include rehabilitation farms, community-based alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization such as "safe houses" and "balancing houses," and technological advancements for PTSD treatment. The mobile emergency service and crisis unit, established in January 2024, have responded to over 500 cases requiring immediate intervention. The department also focuses on employment and education support, with 2,425 wounded individuals receiving full funding for higher or vocational education since the war began. Law, business administration, and computer science are the most popular fields of study.