Defense Ministry warns rehab system for wounded soldiers could collapse without reforms

The Defense Ministry warns that Israel’s system for rehabilitating wounded soldiers could “collapse” under the weight of the growing number of casualties, urging the government to immediately implement the recommendations recently made by a public committee.

Marking 1,000 days since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, the ministry says approximately 26,200 wounded IDF soldiers and security personnel have sought treatment through its Rehabilitation Department since the war began, up from a tally of 25,000 just last month. Some 65 percent are receiving care for psychological conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and difficulties surrounding reintegration into civilian life.

The ministry says the total number of wounded from all of Israel’s wars under the department’s care is expected to surpass 90,000 in 2026, a more than 40% increase within three years, and reach around 100,000 by 2028. Roughly half are expected to be coping with psychological harm.

Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram warns that failing to implement the public committee’s recommendations “is not an option,” saying the rehab system “could collapse under the burden” if additional resources are not allocated.

Among the committee’s proposals were increasing the Rehabilitation Department’s budget, assigning every wounded veteran a dedicated personal case manager, and expanding psychological treatment options.

According to the Defense Ministry, approximately 17,000 of those wounded since October 7 are coping with psychological injuries, including 7,700 who also sustained physical wounds, while around 9,000 are being treated solely for physical injuries.