Israel's Defense Ministry Warns War Casualty Rehabilitation System Faces Collapse Amid Rising Mental Health Cases
The Rehabilitation Department of Israel's Ministry of Defense released data marking 1,000 days since the war began, revealing that approximately 26,200 war casualties have sought treatment. Of these, 65% are dealing with mental distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The total number of injured IDF and security personnel from all wars is expected to surpass 90,000 this year, representing a sharp 40% increase over three years. Projections indicate that by 2028, the Rehabilitation Department will be treating around 100,000 casualties, with about 50,000 suffering from mental health issues.
Among the current patients, roughly 17,000 face psychological injuries, including 7,700 who also have physical wounds. Approximately 9,000 patients have physical injuries, including 97 with limb amputations. The demographic breakdown shows 62% are reservists, 21% are in mandatory service, 10% serve in the Israel Police, and 7% are career soldiers. Gender distribution is 92% male and 8% female, with nearly half of new patients under 30 years old.
Amir Baram, CEO of the Ministry of Defense and a retired general, warned at a Disabled IDF Veterans Organization conference that the national rehabilitation system for war casualties is at risk of collapse. He urged immediate implementation of recommendations from a public expert committee led by Professor Shlomo Mor Yosef, which proposed a comprehensive action plan. Baram emphasized that executing these recommendations is an obligation of the state, supported by both the Defense and Finance Ministers, and that success will be measured by results rather than statements.
The Ministry has significantly expanded mental health services during the war, increasing the number of mental health therapists to about 4,000, four times the pre-war level, and tripling the number of balance homes. New initiatives include nine rehabilitation farms nationwide, a mobile mental health crisis unit, and a dedicated nursing ward for young patients. Despite these efforts, the scale of casualties demands a broader national response.
The Ministry also highlighted the "Nefesh Achat" (One Soul) helpline, available 24/7 at *8944, for those struggling with mental health issues related to military service.
