Israel’s National Insurance Reports Sharp Rise in Civilian Casualties and Trauma After 1,000 Days of Iron Swords War

As Israel approaches the 1,000th day since the outbreak of the Iron Swords war on October 7, 2023, the National Insurance Institute has released official data revealing unprecedented civilian harm. The figures show a staggering increase in the number of civilians recognized as victims of hostilities. Prior to October 7, 2023, the National Insurance Institute had managed 16,044 victims of hostilities since the state's founding. Since the war began, an additional 86,047 new civilian victims have been registered and are receiving support due to terror-related events.

A significant portion of these new victims suffer from psychological trauma. According to the report, 69,499 of the new victims are classified as mental health casualties. The number of civilians eligible for ongoing monthly assistance due to mental disability has surged from 3,473 before the war to 25,117 since its onset. Furthermore, 38,759 victims (both physical and mental) have undergone medical committee evaluations and been granted disability status, with 25,691 already receiving regular monthly compensation.

The human cost is also reflected in the death toll. Before October 7, 2023, there were 2,324 civilian fatalities from hostile actions since Israel’s establishment. Since then, 1,020 additional civilian deaths have been recorded, including 88 foreign nationals who were in Israel during the terror attacks and subsequent fighting. These sobering statistics underscore the National Insurance Institute’s critical role in national rehabilitation efforts, a long-term challenge expected to continue for many years.