Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a sweeping overhaul of the country’s rehabilitation system for wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and security personnel, following concerns over the growing pressure on existing services.

According to Netanyahu, the reforms will strengthen the Defence Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department by expanding staffing, funding and operational independence while reducing bureaucracy and integrating artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies into rehabilitation and mental healthcare.

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The announcement comes days after Israel’s Defence Ministry warned that its rehabilitation system was under severe strain because of the increasing number of wounded personnel.

What will change under the new system?

Under the approved reforms, every wounded veteran will be assigned a dedicated case manager to coordinate medical treatment and government benefits.

The government also plans to simplify eligibility procedures, introduce automated benefit updates and expand psychological support for the families of injured soldiers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the special Knesset session, Israeli parliament, in Jerusalem on Wednesday. (@netanyahu X/ANI Photo)
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu X/ANI Photo)

Announcing the decision, Netanyahu said the reforms reflected both a moral and national responsibility.

“The plan we approved will provide them with a broad and comprehensive support system. Our wounded soldiers went into battle to defend the state, and we are fighting for them and for their rehabilitation. This is not only our moral duty, it is our national duty,” Netanyahu said.

He also acknowledged the role of Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in coordinating the reform package.

Why is Israel expanding rehabilitation services?

The overhaul follows a warning from Israel’s Defence Ministry earlier this month that the existing rehabilitation framework was at risk of becoming overwhelmed.

According to the ministry, more than 26,000 wounded IDF soldiers and security personnel have sought rehabilitation services since the war began. Nearly 65 per cent of those cases involve psychological conditions.

Officials estimate the total number of wounded veterans requiring rehabilitation could exceed 90,000 by the end of 2026 and rise to around 100,000 by 2028.

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The reforms are intended to improve access to long-term physical rehabilitation, mental healthcare and welfare support while modernising the department’s operations to handle rising demand.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Israel overhauling its military rehabilitation system?


The reforms come after the Defence Ministry warned that rising numbers of wounded soldiers and security personnel were placing significant pressure on the existing rehabilitation system.

Q2. What changes will the new rehabilitation system include?


The overhaul includes dedicated case managers, expanded mental health support, streamlined eligibility procedures, automated benefit updates and greater use of AI and advanced technology in rehabilitation services.