Wounded Israeli Soldier Fights to Continue Active Reserve Service Despite Military Suspension

Avishai Shoshani, an Israeli soldier severely wounded in combat, shared his remarkable recovery journey and ongoing battle to resume active reserve duty at Channel 14's Resilience Conference. After spending three months hospitalized and undergoing intensive rehabilitation, Shoshani returned to running and serving alongside his comrades. Last year, he completed 103 days of reserve service, a milestone he described as an indescribable victory. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently froze his reserve service due to a mental health recognition, a decision affecting thousands of soldiers.

Shoshani expressed deep frustration over the IDF's move, stating it disrupted his life and forced him to fight again for a normal existence. He emphasized that experienced soldiers like himself are willing and able to continue bearing the military burden. Supporting him, attorney Eyal Ben Shoshan from the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization and Amit Maoz, a soldier wounded in Lebanon advocating for post-traumatic rights, criticized the policy. Ben Shoshan noted the IDF admitted its error but said the freeze damages trust and deters soldiers from seeking help. Maoz questioned the rationale behind the policy, demanding the IDF reconsider and differentiate between veteran soldiers actively serving and younger soldiers undergoing recognition processes.

The speakers urged the IDF to focus resources on identifying and treating those truly in need rather than discouraging capable, experienced soldiers from contributing to national security. Their statements highlight ongoing tensions within the IDF regarding mental health recognition and the rights of wounded veterans to continue serving in reserve roles.