Israel Faces Surge in War Casualties with Majority Suffering PTSD, Rehabilitation System at Risk

Since the outbreak of the war 1,000 days ago, approximately 26,200 individuals have been wounded, with 65% experiencing psychological distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Rehabilitation Department of Israel's Ministry of Defense. Currently, around 17,000 people are coping with mental injuries, including 7,700 who also have physical wounds. The total number of wounded receiving treatment from the Rehabilitation Department is projected to reach about 100,000 by 2028, with roughly half suffering from mental health issues.

The Ministry of Defense warns that the national rehabilitation system for war casualties is under severe strain and risks collapse if immediate funding and implementation of expert committee recommendations are not enacted. Retired Major General Amir Baram, Director General of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized at a Disabled IDF Veterans Organization conference that fulfilling these recommendations is a national obligation, supported by both the Defense and Finance Ministers, and that success will be measured by execution rather than promises.

The data reveals that 62% of the wounded are reservists, 21% are conscripts, 10% serve in the Israel Police, and 7% are career military personnel. Men constitute 92% of the injured, with women making up 8%. Nearly half of the new patients are under 30 years old, 30% are aged 30 to 39, and 22% are over 40. The Ministry highlights the urgent need to address the growing demand for mental health services among war casualties to prevent the collapse of this critical support system.