Over 82,000 Israeli Soldiers Classified as Wounded, Ministry Data Shows
The Israeli Defense Ministry projects that the number of soldiers treated by the division will reach approximately 100,000 by 2028.
The Israeli Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division revealed on Monday that it is currently treating 82,400 individuals classified by the ministry as “wounded personnel”, Israeli media reported.
According to the data, this includes 31,000 soldiers receiving treatment for mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress.
The ministry stated that 22,000 of the cases under its care were added after October 7. Of these newer cases, 58% are reportedly being treated for mental health-related issues.
The ministry also said it receives around 1,500 requests per month for the official recognition of mental health conditions.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the Defense Ministry projects that the number of soldiers treated by the division will reach approximately 100,000 by 2028, with an estimated half expected to have mental health diagnoses.
Further data released by the ministry offers a breakdown of the wounded soldiers. According to the figures, 49% were injured during compulsory military service, 26% while serving as reservists, 13% as career army personnel, and 9% while serving in the police.
In terms of demographics, the ministry reports that 68% of those being treated are over 40 years old.
Palestinian resistance groups have repeatedly accused Israel of downplaying the true number of its military casualties and wounded, an issue that has surfaced numerous times throughout the genocidal war in Gaza.
Starting on October 7, 2023, the Israeli military, with American support, launched a genocidal war against the people of Gaza. This campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of over 70,000 Palestinians, with more than 170,000 wounded. The vast majority of the population has been displaced, and the destruction of infrastructure is unprecedented since World War II. Thousands of people are still missing.
In addition to the military assault, the Israeli blockade has caused a man-made famine, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians—mostly children—with hundreds of thousands more at risk.
Despite widespread international condemnation, little has been done to hold Israel accountable. The nation is currently under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice, while accused war criminals, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are officially wanted by the International Criminal Court.
(PC, Israeli Media)