Israel’s Defense Ministry announced that its Rehabilitation Department expects 20,000 new disabled soldiers by the end of 2024 and is laying the groundwork for their care and support.
More than 5,500 wounded individuals have been admitted to the rehabilitation wing since Oct. 7, according to the Ministry.
The figure was shocking to the Israeli public because the army’s daily data do not suggest there is such a large number of wounded. Likewise, the army spokesman issues “brief” statements about the dead and injured.
They assert the narrative that the army is not releasing the actual number of deaths and injuries among soldiers.
The actual numbers appear in side reports hospitals or the Rehabilitation Department issued.
The majority of these casualties, 95%, are men with ages ranging up to 30 years old.
Notably, 70% of those admitted were reservists, 7% were in permanent military service, 10% were regular soldiers and were discharged from military service due to their injuries, and 13% were members of the police and security services.
Tel Aviv recorded the most significant number of injured soldiers, followed by Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Ashkelon.
About 85% of injuries were described as minor, 9% as moderate, and 7% as serious.
In addition, 42% of these soldiers sustained injuries to their limbs, 21% suffered psychological trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 9% had internal injuries, 7% had spinal injuries, 7% had ear injuries, and 3% had head injuries.
The statement indicated that the Rehabilitation Division is currently caring for about 62,000 disabled soldiers from previous wars.
According to the Ministry’s report, the Rehabilitation Division will care for about 78,000 soldiers until the end of 2024, which will rise to about 100,000 in 2030.
It is expected that the number of soldiers with psychological issues and PTSD will be significant. Therefore, two treatment centers have recently begun operating, and three other centers will be opened soon.
The statement indicated that since the beginning of the war, the Rehabilitation Division postponed the work of the medical committees to enable the injured and their family members to focus on their rehabilitation and provide medical, psychological, general, and welfare care.
Aside from the human and material losses caused by the large amount of injuries and disabilities, the war caused substantial financial damages to the Israeli economy.
According to the army budget, $1.5 billion is allocated to the Rehabilitation Division annually.
Division director Limor Luria announced that an extra $435 million will be added to this year’s budget for the newly disabled persons.
Luria said that the budget must be separated from that of the Ministry of Defense to remain independent.
