Israel's High Court Hears Plight of Severely Traumatized Veterans

Israel's Supreme Court, the High Court of Justice (Bagatz), heard a petition Wednesday demanding an end to discrimination against combat stress reaction (CSR) sufferers, who argue they are unfairly denied benefits compared to veterans with severe physical injuries. The case highlights the struggles of individuals like Barak Abutbul, 37, who suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is recognized as unable to rehabilitate or support himself. His father, Avi Abutbul, a prominent activist in the fight for CSR sufferers' rights, described Barak as "buried at home 24/7," dependent on family for basic daily tasks and unable to work or study.

The core of the legal battle centers on the "special disability rating" (100%+), which grants enhanced benefits, including housing assistance, to veterans with specific physical disabilities like limb amputations, but excludes PTSD sufferers, even in the most severe cases. In November 2025, the court issued a conditional order demanding the state justify why regulations shouldn't be amended to allow severely affected CSR sufferers to be considered for this rating and to address the regulation of exception committees.

Activists, like Shamir, a leader from the "Combat Diamonds" forum, expressed frustration with the Ministry of Defense's stance, which they claim dismisses PTSD as potentially improving with treatment, contradicting the reality for those deemed "unrehabilitatable." A major point of contention is housing assistance; while veterans with the special rating may receive significant housing grants, CSR sufferers in severe functional states receive less substantial aid, which activists argue is insufficient for those unable to secure mortgages or even obtain life insurance.

According to Ministry of Defense data from October 6, 2026, approximately 91,200 veterans are treated for disabilities, with over 42,500 experiencing mental health issues and PTSD. Since October 7, 2023, about 30,000 new casualties have been registered, with 63% suffering psychological reactions. The petition, however, focuses on a smaller group of about 140 severely affected CSR sufferers deemed unrehabilitatable by the "Combat Diamonds" forum.

Another petitioner, Erez, 45, who served in the Shimshon unit in 2001 and suffers from 50% mental disability, described a life that has shrunk significantly since 2012 due to PTSD. He struggles with daily life, sleep, and social interaction, relying on family and a service dog. Erez also shared his frustration with the label "needy" (nirtzak) and the system's inability to provide adequate rehabilitation despite acknowledging his condition.

The Ministry of Defense stated that while severe, irreversible physical injuries necessitate extensive life adjustments, PTSD's impact can vary and improve with treatment. They emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance treatment for PTSD sufferers, including increased therapists and community-based rehabilitation options. However, the ministry maintains that the 100%+ rating is specifically for severe physical impairments requiring significant environmental adaptations.