Israel Treats Over 20,000 Wounded Soldiers, Half with Mental Health Conditions

Since the start of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Israel's Defense Ministry Rehabilitation Department has treated over 20,000 wounded soldiers, with approximately 56% suffering from mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). About 45% of these soldiers have physical injuries, including 99 amputees fitted with prosthetics, 16 paralyzed soldiers, and 56 classified with over 100% disability. The ministry reports that 64% of the wounded are reservists, and the rehabilitation department currently cares for a total of 81,700 wounded veterans from this and previous wars, with 38% suffering from mental health issues. Each month, around 1,000 new wounded soldiers are treated, and the department forecasts that by 2028, it will be treating 100,000 wounded veterans, with at least half experiencing PTSD or other mental health disorders. The rehabilitation budget has increased by 53% over two years to NIS 8.3 billion ($2.5 billion), with NIS 4.1 billion allocated specifically for mental health treatment. Additionally, suicide among soldiers has risen, with 18 military suicides reported in 2025, highlighting ongoing challenges such as therapist shortages and the need for urgent mental health support.