The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a significant increase in the number of wounded and disabled soldiers and officers within the Israeli army, raising serious concerns about the military's preparedness for future confrontations. According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Department, the toll of disabled personnel has reached a staggering 72,560, with 10,056 of these cases emerging during the current conflict that began on October 7, 2023. The projections indicate that by the end of 2024, the department will need to support approximately 82,000 disabled members, highlighting the alarming trend of growing casualties.
Military analysts have noted that this unprecedented number of injuries and disabilities is depleting the Israeli army's capabilities, particularly its reserve forces. Alwan Ben David, a military analyst, emphasized that the army is currently not prepared for a large-scale military campaign, particularly against Hezbollah. The ongoing battles have already resulted in over 690 fatalities, with many soldiers suffering from severe psychological and physical injuries, including anxiety, depression, and limb injuries.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has responded to this crisis by establishing 10 rehabilitation centers across the country aimed at treating the growing number of wounded soldiers. The Director General of the Ministry, Colonel (Res.) Eyal Zamir, has called for a comprehensive strategy to accommodate and rehabilitate the thousands of war-wounded personnel. Experts predict that if the conflict persists, the number of disabled soldiers could reach 100,000 by 2030, posing an unprecedented challenge for the Israeli military and government agencies.
- The situation is compounded by the fact that **68%** of those injured are reserve soldiers, with a significant portion being young individuals aged between **18 and 30**. This demographic detail raises concerns about the long-term impact of these injuries on the future workforce and society. With **35%** of the wounded suffering from mental health issues, the need for comprehensive mental health support and rehabilitation services is more critical than ever.
- Moreover, the Israeli public's perception of the military's capabilities is at odds with reality, as **46%** believe that Israel should engage in a war against Hezbollah, despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for transparency regarding the army's current state and the challenges it faces in maintaining national security.
