Israeli Reservist Criticizes Medical Support Failures After Severe Injury in Lebanon Battle

Jordan, an Israeli reservist who served 920 days during the war, was severely wounded in March during a battle in Maroun al-Ras in southern Lebanon. His dramatic experience was captured on a body camera. In an interview on Kan News Radio, Jordan recounted the moments of the battle, the medical treatment that saved his life, and the critical lack of medical equipment that endangered soldiers.

Jordan described being in a vehicle with his battalion commander when they came under heavy fire. After hearing an explosion and warnings of mines, they were hit by mortar fire, causing both to be thrown into the air. Jordan sustained injuries to his hand, shoulder, and abdomen. He recalled focusing on his abdominal wound as more urgent while waiting for medical help. A medic arrived first, followed by a doctor whose presence Jordan credited with saving his life. The battalion commander insisted on having a doctor accompany them, refusing to proceed without one, a decision Jordan said was crucial.

However, Jordan revealed that the doctor was deployed without proper medical equipment. He was asked to leave the convoy to fetch medical supplies, which he could not do as a driver unfamiliar with the equipment. After hospitalization and stabilization, Jordan was sent home due to a lack of rehabilitation space, only beginning rehabilitation two and a half weeks prior to the interview. He described ongoing physical and psychological challenges, including impaired use of his dominant left hand.

Jordan also recounted surviving an explosive device in Gaza while retrieving the weapon of Captain Daniel Peretz, who was killed and whose body was abducted during the October 7 attacks. Meanwhile, Peretz's father called for prayers for a sign of life, and the battalion warned of equipment shortages that have yet to be addressed, putting lives at risk.