Over 20,000 wounded treated by Israeli Rehab Division since Oct. 7, with mental health cases on the rise

Ahead of the second anniversary of the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Division announced on Monday that it has taken in over 20,000 wounded individuals from Oct. 7, 2023, to the present day.

Key statistics: 50% of the injured are under the age of 30, 92% are men, 64% are reservists, 45% suffer from physical injuries, Approximately 56% are dealing with psychological trauma or stress responses.

According to the report, the division’s budget has increased by 53% over the past two years, now totaling 8.3 billion shekels, of which 4.1 billion are allocated specifically to mental health care. The Rehabilitation Division estimates that by 2028, it will be treating 100,000 wounded, including 50,000 suffering from mental health injuries.

Additional figures: 9% of the injured are classified as having moderate to severe injuries, 56 individuals are classified as 100+% disabled (the most severe category), 24 individuals have been declared 100% disabled, 168 individuals have suffered complex head injuries and require constant assistance, 16 are paralyzed and use wheelchairs, 99 individuals have had limbs amputated and have been fitted with advanced prosthetics, including adaptations for sports, extreme activities, and leisure.

On average, about 1,000 new war-related injuries are recorded each month. Over the past year, emergency teams have been dispatched to 251 incidents involving psychological distress requiring intervention.

The Rehabilitation Division is also facing serious challenges, including a critical shortage of staff – with just one rehabilitation worker per 750 patients – an urgent need to simplify bureaucratic procedures due to outdated legislation that no longer meets current demands, and a pressing need to reform medical evaluation committees and update criteria for determining disability percentages based on the nature of the injuries.

Written by KAN 11 correspondents Itay Blumenthal and Carmela Menashe.