Reserve soldiers petition High Court: We were frozen out of service due to PTSD

117 reserve soldiers and commanders suffering from PTSD have petitioned the High Court of Justice against IDF policy that freezes their service. The petitioners allege discrimination, stigmatization, and unlawful transfer of confidential medical information, warning of a chilling effect that deters combat soldiers from seeking treatment.

117 reserve soldiers and commanders, including combat troops, officers, and staff members who suffered from PTSD during their service, petitioned the High Court of Justice on Thursday against IDF policy that freezes their military service. The petitioners, recognized by the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division as mental health casualties with a disability rating of 30% or more, were transferred against their will to a track where their fitness for service is re-evaluated, even though most had already served hundreds of reserve days since the war began without impairment. According to the policy set in July 2025 and updated in July 2026, the mere recognition of a soldier as suffering from PTSD moves them to a track of suspension, freeze, or exemption—without individual medical examination or consideration of their role requirements. The soldiers argue this is discriminatory action based on stigma, placing the burden on them to prove fitness anew and expose medical files. Additionally, the petition claims the Rehabilitation Division transferred names and data of some 2,800 service members to the IDF without their consent and without legal authority. The petitioners warn the policy already has a "chilling effect," with dozens of soldiers choosing to forgo recognition of their injury for fear of being removed from their units.