Wounds that have not healed

Israeli Defense Ministry Warns of Rehabilitation Collapse as Casualties Surge

Over 26,200 wounded security personnel have sought care since October 7, with 65% requiring mental health treatment. Officials warn the total caseload could reach 100,000 by 2028

Ariel Sharfer

JUL 2, 2026 12:33

1 min read

Remains recovered from Kfar Aza from October 7th massacre

Marking 1,000 days since the outbreak of the October 7th Massacre, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department released alarming data showing that 26,200 security forces members have sought treatment.

Wounded Profile : Young Reserve Soldiers with Psychological Injuries

The vast majority of these cases involve mental health struggles, with 17,000 individuals coping with psychological trauma, including 7,700 who suffer from concurrent physical injuries. The caseload encompasses a young demographic, as 48% of the new patients are under the age of 30, and reservoir forces comprise 62% of the total wounded.

Israeli soldier mourns for the fallen soldiers of Israel on Yom HaZikaron - Israel Memorial Day (Photo: Shutterstock / Shabtay)

System Faces Critical Threat

Defense Ministry Director,General Amir Baram, issued a stark warning stating that the national system risks collapsing under the immense strain without immediate funding and implementation of Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef recommendations.

To manage the current influx, the Rehabilitation Department has already quadrupled its mental health staff to 4,000 therapists and tripled its balancing homes.

However, with the total number of wounded veterans from all wars projected to surpass 90,000 this year, Israeli health officials stress that a comprehensive national response is urgently required to guarantee long-term recovery for the nation's defenders.

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