Israeli report shows 20,000 soldiers wounded, rising care crisis
4 Min Read
The Israeli Security Ministry says 20,000 soldiers were wounded in two years, warning of rising disabilities, long waits, and care shortages.
-
A wounded soldier arrives for the funeral of another who was killed in Gaza at Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery in occupied al-Quds, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 (AP)
The Rehabilitation Division of the Israeli Ministry of Security revealed that it has received around 20,000 wounded soldiers from the Israeli occupation forces over the past two years as a result of the war, warning of “huge challenges” in providing care and support.
According to the report, the ratio of therapists to the injured is alarmingly high, with only one therapist available for every 750 patients, despite the recruitment of roughly 3,000 new therapists since the war began. The division also warned of a looming crisis of confidence in the medical committees responsible for determining disability rates, which could complicate the recognition process for injuries.
The report noted that 55% of the wounded suffer from various psychological traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, while only 48% of those with psychological injuries have returned to work, compared with 67% of those with physical injuries. The ministry added that waiting times to see a psychiatrist currently range from three to four months.
The Security Ministry estimates that the number of officially recognized disabled soldiers could reach 100,000 by 2028, noting that about 70% of those receiving treatment have already been recognized as disabled, while the rest remain under review by medical committees.
Israeli reservists resist Gaza call-ups
The Independent reported on Friday that a growing number of Israeli soldiers and their mothers are openly refusing to serve in Gaza, challenging government efforts to sustain its latest offensive.
While there are no official figures, new grassroots groups have emerged urging troops to reject orders despite the risk of jail. The dissent comes as the Israeli occupation calls up tens of thousands of reservists for its invasion of Gaza City, part of the devastating genocide that has been taking place for nearly two years.
The protests align with wider demonstrations accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political gain instead of striking a deal to free 48 remaining captives, 20 of whom are believed alive. Former security officials have warned that the operation could endanger those captives while drawing global criticism over Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
One network, Soldiers for Hostages, says it represents more than 360 troops who will not report for duty. Another, Save Our Souls (SOS), claims to speak for nearly 1,000 mothers pressing leaders to halt what they describe as a needless war. Both groups cite fatigue, high casualties, and concerns that continued fighting undermines efforts to retrieve captives.
Refusing to serve remains illegal and carries possible prison terms, but so far only a few soldiers linked to these campaigns have been jailed for short periods, The Independent noted, as at least three soldiers associated with Soldiers for Hostages have been imprisoned this year for refusing to serve, with some jailed for around three weeks.
Soldiers say occupation endangers captives, civilians
Feiner also pointed out that senior former and current military officials, including the chief of staff and the head of the National Security Council, have warned that the proposed operation could endanger captives held in Gaza, worsen civilian suffering, and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the Strip.
