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Over 12,500 Israeli soldiers ‘disabled’ from injuries in ongoing war with Gaza
A report by Israeli outlet Yediot Ahronoth has revealed that at least 12,500 Israeli soldiers are expected to be recognised as “disabled” due to injuries sustained during the conflict in Gaza, a number significantly higher than the official figures provided by the army.
The assessment, conducted by a company hired by Israel’s defense ministry, predicts that the actual number of cases requesting disability recognition could reach 20,000.
The current figures raise concerns about the accuracy and transparency of the Israeli army’s injury reporting during the conflict.
As of late December, the defense ministry reported around 3,000 Israeli soldiers injured since October 7, with over 2,300 considered disabled. However, the new estimates suggest a substantial underreporting of injuries during the conflict.
The rehabilitation department of the defense ministry is currently handling 60,000 disabled Israeli soldiers, with 5,000 new cases admitted in 2023, including 3,400 since October 7.
READ ALSO: South Africa files genocide case against Israel at ICJ over Gaza conflict
The revelation implies potential financial and logistical challenges for the already criticised programme for disabled soldiers in Israel.
The report also warns that the discrepancies in injury reporting may lead to situations similar to that of Itzik Saidian, an Israeli soldier who participated in the 2014 Gaza war and set himself on fire in 2021 outside the defense ministry’s rehabilitation offices, expressing dissatisfaction and humiliation in his interactions with the ministry.
The higher number of soldiers requiring rehabilitation services could exacerbate the strain on the system, necessitating a reevaluation of support and resources for disabled veterans in Israel.
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