Families Accuse Rambam Hospital of Neglecting Wounded IDF Soldiers From Lebanon Conflict

Families of four Israeli Defense Forces soldiers severely wounded in Lebanon have accused Rambam Hospital in Haifa of providing inadequate and harsh treatment. According to relatives, the soldiers were left unattended and subjected to what they described as "brutal" care by the nursing staff. One brother recounted that his sibling, who was sedated and intubated, woke up in pain and hallucinating, only to be isolated behind locked doors by a new Arabic-speaking nursing shift that expelled family members from the ward.

The family member described desperate attempts to get water for the soldier, who was reportedly roughly handled, with his head slammed against the bed. When complaints were raised, the hospital’s security officer was called. Another relative demanded an immediate investigation and requested that hospital security footage be preserved to clarify why doors were locked and families were barred from the ward.

Defense Minister Yoav Kitz instructed the IDF to urgently investigate the allegations and promised appropriate action if the claims prove true. He emphasized the importance of respectful and dedicated care for wounded soldiers and their families. Rambam Hospital denied the accusations, stating that all patients, especially IDF soldiers, receive professional and high-quality treatment. The hospital said it takes such claims seriously and is conducting a thorough inquiry.

In response to the controversy, Knesset member Ahmad Tibi condemned the accusations as a racist campaign against Arabic-speaking medical staff at Israeli hospitals, praising their dedication and calling for public support of these workers. The incident has sparked calls for transparency and accountability regarding the treatment of wounded soldiers at Rambam Hospital.