Some 22,000 wounded security service members have entered the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department since the Oct. 7, 2023, invasion of the northwestern Negev, the ministry said on Monday.
Currently, the department is handling a total of 82,400 individuals, of which about 31,000 are coping with psychological injuries and post-trauma.
Nine percent are women, 49% are disabled Israel Defense Forces veterans who were wounded during mandatory service, 26% are reservists, 13% are career soldiers and 9% are police officers.
Those who were wounded since the outbreak of the war comprise 26% of the total number treated. Around 58% have been diagnosed with psychological trauma, 63% are reservists and 49% are individuals below the age of 30.
The oldest disabled veteran served in the Haganah before the inception of the state, and is 98 years old, according to the ministry.
The ministry further estimates that by 2028 the Rehabilitation Department will treat approximately 100,000 wounded, half of whom will be trauma survivors.
The data was released in the wake of Israel’s Day of Appreciation for Those Wounded in Israel’s Wars.
The day was marked on Sunday, following the Knesset’s decision in July to hold it annually on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Kislev.
Chairman of the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization Adv. Idan Klayman was quoted by Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 as saying: “These figures must serve as an urgent wake-up call for all of us. These numbers are not just numbers—they are people, heroes, and entire families who sacrificed their bodies and souls for us. The high figures highlight the scale of this national problem, and the degree to which the state must step in right now to shoulder the burden.”
He went on to say that, “The worsening manpower shortages, professionals who are not being reinforced, and the continually rising numbers could lead us to yet another disaster. Our warnings are clear: we cannot leave a single wounded person behind—not even those whose injuries are invisible and who make up more than half of those who joined the circle of wounded in this last war.”
A state ceremony will take place on Monday evening to commemorate the wounded, attended by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram and Klayman.
