As of now, over 13,500 soldiers have been injured in the Swords of Iron War, with 1,500 of them suffering injuries on two separate occasions. Among those being treated, 66% are reservists, and 51% are aged between 18 and 30.
Of the 8,500 soldiers who sustained physical injuries, 287 experienced head injuries, including 87 who suffered severe head trauma, with 40 in moderate condition. Ten soldiers are now wheelchair-bound, 68 have undergone amputations and are now fitted with prosthetics, and 26 soldiers received 3D-printed skull reconstructions. Additionally, 12 soldiers have lost an eye and required prosthetics. In terms of injuries, 37% had limb injuries, mostly orthopedic; 7% suffered spinal injuries; 9% sustained internal injuries; and 9% experienced hearing loss. Psychological effects are significant, with approximately 5,200 soldiers facing mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and PTSD. Among them, 3,350 report mental health as their primary injury, and 1,300 have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Following the October 7th Massacre, 19,500 individuals, including veterans from previous conflicts, have sought treatment from the Department of Rehabilitation. Over the past year, the department has adapted its approach to better meet the needs of those affected. This includes having department representatives stationed at hospitals to immediately register wounded soldiers, providing rehabilitation services without bureaucratic delays, and assigning a contact from each service unit to every patient.
In addition to medical care, the department has made significant improvements in accessibility and mobility for the injured, including adapting 96 homes, providing 60 new medical vehicles, and preparing vehicles for approximately 368 patients who needed immediate transport. A special nursing department was established to care for young, severely injured patients, and advanced prosthetics were provided to dozens of patients.
For mental health care, 900 new therapists were enlisted, and ten treatment farms were opened across the country. Mobile mental health clinics and three new "balance houses" were also launched. Furthermore, the app "The Guide to PTSD" has been downloaded 20,000 times, and the "One Soul" mental health hotline has responded to over 11,200 calls.
The department has also been providing additional support to older veterans, particularly those over the age of 67, with house calls from medical professionals to ensure that these individuals receive the care and benefits they need.
