Over Half of Wounded Israeli Soldiers Suffer from PTSD, Rehab Department Reports

Over Half of Wounded Israeli Soldiers Suffer from PTSD, Rehab Department Reports
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Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, Israel’s Defense Ministry Rehabilitation Department has treated approximately 20,000 wounded soldiers, more than half of whom are experiencing mental health conditions, The Times of Israel reported. According to the ministry, 56% of soldiers treated suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions, while 45% sustain physical injuries, and about 20% contend with both.

Among the wounded, 9% have moderate-to-severe injuries, 56 soldiers are classified with over 100% disability, 24 with full disability, 16 are paralyzed, and 99 amputees have received prosthetic care. Approximately 64% of the treated soldiers are reservists.

Each month, the department handles around 1,000 new cases from the current conflict, alongside 600 ongoing requests from previous wars. Including veterans from earlier conflicts, the department is caring for 81,700 soldiers, with 38% facing mental health challenges.

Defense officials warn that growing numbers of wounded, ongoing combat, rising PTSD cases, and a shortage of therapists create urgent challenges, including high patient-to-staff ratios and complex bureaucratic processes.