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 Israelis have been wounded, with 65% experiencing psychological distress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense. Currently, around 17,000 individuals are coping with mental injuries, including 7,700 who also have physical wounds. The total number of wounded receiving treatment from the Rehabilitation Division is projected to reach about 100,000 by 2028, with roughly half suffering from mental health issues. This represents a sharp increase of over 40% in just three years, with the total number of wounded from all wars expected to exceed 90,000 by 2026.

The Ministry of Defense has warned that the national rehabilitation system, which plays a critical role in supporting war casualties, is at risk of collapse due to the growing demand. Retired Major General Amir Baram, CEO of the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the urgent need to fund and implement the recommendations of a public expert committee to sustain the system. He stated, "Implementing these recommendations is not optional but an obligation of the State of Israel," noting that both the Defense and Finance Ministers have endorsed the committee's conclusions. Baram cautioned that failure to act could overwhelm the sensitive rehabilitation network.

Demographically, 62% of the wounded are reservists, 21% are conscripts, 10% serve in the Israel Police, and 7% are career soldiers. Men constitute 92% of the casualties, 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. Among those with physical injuries, 97 have suffered limb amputations. The Ministry's data highlights the urgent need for expanded mental health and rehabilitation services to address the long-term consequences of the conflict.