Israel Approves Sweeping Reform to Overhaul Rehabilitation System for Wounded IDF and Security Personnel.
Jerusalem:
The Israeli government has approved a comprehensive national reform aimed at transforming the treatment and rehabilitation system for wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel and members of the country’s security forces. The decision, endorsed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, adopts the recommendations of a public committee chaired by Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef and introduces far-reaching structural, technological, and administrative changes.
The reform is designed to improve rehabilitation services, eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, strengthen mental health support, expand assistance to families, and modernize the Ministry of Defense’s rehabilitation framework. Officials described the initiative as one of the most significant overhauls of the rehabilitation system in Israel’s history.
Rehabilitation Department to Become National Authority
At the heart of the reform is the transformation of the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department into a National Authority for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Wounded IDF and Security Forces Personnel. The new authority will operate with greater autonomy, additional personnel, and expanded responsibilities to improve efficiency and reduce delays in providing services.
The government said the move reflects Israel’s long-term commitment to supporting military personnel who were injured while serving the country.
Major Changes to Rehabilitation Services
Under the approved plan, every wounded veteran will be assigned a dedicated Point of Contact (POC) case manager responsible for coordinating all aspects of treatment, rehabilitation, and benefits. The government believes this will simplify access to services and ensure continuity throughout the rehabilitation process.
The reform also seeks to streamline medical recognition procedures by reducing paperwork, improving coordination between agencies, recruiting additional physicians for medical boards, and introducing advanced digital systems and artificial intelligence to accelerate decision-making.
Expanded Mental Health and Specialized Care
Recognizing the growing number of service members experiencing psychological trauma, the government will establish a dedicated headquarters focused on mental health rehabilitation.
The reform also expands treatment options by increasing access to alternative therapies and creating specialized programs for:
Personnel suffering from psychological injuries.
Individuals with dual diagnoses.
Women injured during military service.
Those with severe head injuries.
Lone soldiers requiring specialized support.
Greater Support for Families
The new policy extends mental health services to family members of wounded personnel, acknowledging the challenges families face during long-term recovery. Training and guidance programs will also be introduced to help relatives better support rehabilitation efforts.
Automatic Benefits System
A key element of the reform is the creation of an automated benefits system through digital integration between the National Authority, Israel’s National Insurance Institute, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and other government agencies.
The system will automatically identify and update eligible benefits without requiring wounded veterans to repeatedly submit applications, significantly reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
The government also plans a major digital modernization initiative that includes:
Upgrading online personal service portals.
Developing new cloud-based information systems.
Launching an AI-powered chatbot to assist wounded veterans with rights and services.
Providing personalized notifications regarding benefits and rehabilitation programs.
Officials said these technological improvements are intended to make services faster, more accessible, and more responsive to individual needs.
Employment Support
The reform also calls for examining new employment assistance programs to help wounded veterans re-enter the workforce. These initiatives will be developed in cooperation with Israel’s Labor Ministry, other government agencies, and employment organizations.
Netanyahu: “A National Duty”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the reform as a national obligation toward those injured while defending Israel.
He said the government had approved “an incredibly important national plan” that would remove bureaucratic barriers, shorten waiting times, expand rehabilitation services, and ensure wounded personnel receive the support and benefits they deserve “quickly, with dignity, and with sensitivity.”
Netanyahu thanked Defense Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and all officials involved in preparing the reform, adding that caring for wounded service members is “not just our moral duty; it is our national duty.”
Defense Minister Calls Reform Historic
Defense Minister Israel Katz described the decision as a “historic reform” that fundamentally changes the way Israel supports military personnel injured in body or mind.
He emphasized that the country’s responsibility extends beyond the day of injury and continues throughout the entire rehabilitation process. Katz also thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu, Finance Minister Smotrich, Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, committee members, and Ministry of Defense staff for their contributions to the initiative.
Smotrich: “Debt Turning Into Action”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the reform represents the fulfillment of Israel’s responsibility toward wounded veterans.
He described the initiative as a major transformation that will significantly improve rehabilitation services, government support, and the overall care provided to wounded military personnel.
Large-Scale Investment Planned
The government said the reform will be backed by substantial funding and additional staffing to ensure effective implementation. Authorities expect the measures to reduce waiting times, simplify access to healthcare and rehabilitation, improve mental health services, strengthen family support, and enhance the overall quality of care for wounded IDF and security personnel.
The initiative marks one of the most comprehensive reforms undertaken by Israel’s rehabilitation system and is intended to provide long-term support for those injured while serving in the country’s armed forces and security agencies.
