Jerusalem, 2 July, 2026 (TPS-IL) — On the 1,000th day since the outbreak of the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack, Israel’s Defense Ministry reported Thursday a sharp increase in wounded military and security personnel requiring rehabilitation, alongside warnings that the national rehabilitation system is under severe strain.
“The national system for the rehabilitation of war wounded is at risk of collapse,” the ministry said.
According to updated figures released by the ministry’s Rehabilitation Division, approximately 26,200 wounded men and women are currently receiving care through the division. Of these, about 65% are being treated for mental distress, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, adjustment disorders and depression.
The ministry warned that the total number of wounded from all wars treated by the system is expected to exceed 90,000 by 2026, representing an increase of more than 40% within three years. Longer-term estimates suggest the number could reach 100,000 by 2028, with half suffering from mental injuries.
Officials cautioned that without immediate implementation of the recommendations of the Public Expert Committee headed by Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, the system could face severe strain. That committee, in early June, recommended increasing the Rehabilitation Division’s budget by NIS 2 billion per year as well as a one-time grant of NIS 500 million.
Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram said at a conference of the IDF Disabled Organization that implementing the recommendations was a state “duty,” adding, “If we do not do this, this sensitive national system of rehabilitating war wounded, which is doing a sacred job, could collapse under the load.”
The data show that around 17,000 of the wounded are dealing with mental injury, with about 7,700 also suffering physical wounds. A further 9,000 are treated for physical injuries alone, including 97 amputees.
In terms of service profile, 62% are reservists, 21% are conscripts in compulsory service, 10% are Israel Police personnel, and 7% are permanent service members. Nearly half of new patients are under the age of 30, with 30% aged 30–39 and 22% over 40. Men account for 92% of cases, while women represent 8%.
The Rehabilitation Division said it has significantly expanded services since the start of the war, employing about 4,000 mental health professionals—four times the pre-war number—and tripling rehabilitative housing capacity. New initiatives include nine rehabilitation farms nationwide, a mobile mental health crisis unit, and a dedicated youth nursing department.
The ministry also highlighted its 24/7 “One Soul” hotline for service-related mental distress, available to soldiers, veterans and their families.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 hostages. Since then, Iran and its proxy terror groups in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen have joined the fighting,