66,000 applications, 43,000 wounded: 'Sends its sons to die for it and then turns its back on them'

The Labor and Welfare Committee held a special discussion on the recognition and rehabilitation procedures for combat PTSD victims. According to Defense Ministry data, about 66,000 applications were submitted for about 43,000 wounded, decisions were made in 47,000 cases, and about 5,075 are waiting for medical committees. Criticism was voiced over temporary disabilities, and the committee chair demanded transparency and binding timelines.

The Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee held a special discussion today on the recognition and rehabilitation procedures for combat PTSD victims, approved by the Arrangements Committee during the election recess, at the request of organizations representing them. Data presented by the Defense Ministry shows that since the beginning of the October 7 war, about 66,000 applications for recognition of injuries of about 43,000 wounded have been received, and decisions have already been made in 47,000 of them. It was also reported that about 10,000 files are still being handled by the recognition unit, and about 5,075 wounded are waiting for medical committees. Representatives of the department could not provide data on the average waiting time, but noted that about 1,500 files are transferred to committees each month, and that the committee system is expected to expand. During the discussion, criticism was voiced over the determination of temporary disabilities, with a combat PTSD victim named Hagai explaining that such a definition harms the motivation of the wounded to work towards their rehabilitation. Department representatives responded that this is an authority exercised in rare cases, and that in most appeals the goal is to improve the condition of the wounded. The committee chair, MK Michal Woldiger, concluded that systemic improvements are required, including full transparency, binding timelines, a duty to provide reasons, and internal quality control. She emphasized the state's duty to support the wounded who have returned home.