Since the beginning of the war, over 7,200 injured military and security personnel have sought help from the rehabilitation department of the Ministry of Defense. It is reported that 95% of the victims are reservists under 30 years of age. As a result of injuries and combat shock, 30% of victims developed psychological problems such as difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The head of the rehabilitation department, Limor Lurie, predicts that by the end of the year, the number of new wards of the department will increase to 20 thousand people, with approximately 8,000 requiring psychological, emotional, or psychiatric help.
Due to the growing number of victims, the department’s budget was increased by 1.9 billion shekels, from 5.4 billion in 2023 to 7.3 billion this year. Part of this budget is designated to increase the availability of psychological and psychiatric care. Additional funds have been allocated for the services of psychiatrists with experience in the treatment of combat-related mental disorders. The new rates for each case have increased to 700 shekels from the 200 shekels the Ministry of Defense previously offered specialists. To address the need for emotional support, the rehabilitation department has recruited 400 emotional therapists in recent months.
In addition to therapy services, 155 service dogs have been given to the victims for therapy, with another 140 dogs currently in the training process. These efforts aim to provide support and care to those who have been affected by injuries and trauma during their service.