Israeli Knesset Passes First Reading of Combat PTSD Law with Unanimous Support

The Israeli Knesset approved in a unanimous first reading the Combat PTSD Law on Tuesday evening, marking the first time an official legal definition for "combat PTSD" has been established. The bill, supported by 61 members from across all parliamentary factions, mandates tailored treatment for combat PTSD sufferers through the Ministry of Defense. Following the vote, Knesset members and combat PTSD victims present in the gallery applauded the broad bipartisan backing.

The law defines "combat PTSD" as a stress reaction to a traumatic event during military operations and recognizes "combat PTSD victims" as individuals granted disability status due to post-traumatic brain injury caused by combat PTSD. It also requires the Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department to provide specialized care suited to the unique needs of these individuals.

Additionally, the legislation formalizes the role of the Committee for Exceptional Assistance within the Rehabilitation Department, which can grant aid to disabled IDF veterans and, in special cases, their families facing severe hardship related to the disability.

Knesset Committee Chairman Ophir Katz described the moment as one of unity and respect toward combat PTSD victims, thanking them for their sacrifices. MK Moshe Saada, a bill initiator, addressed the victims in the gallery, stating that the law corrects a decades-long injustice and allows them to take pride in this historic recognition.

The bill will return to the Knesset committee for further preparation before second and third readings.