Thousands of Israeli reservists seek PTSD treatment abroad as military capacity lags
Veterans report long waits and inconsistent care in domestic services, prompting a shift toward private and overseas providers.
By Imani Brooks ·
Thousands of Israeli reservists are traveling abroad to receive mental health treatment from private nonprofit organizations after finishing long combat deployments. These veterans say the Israel Defense Forces and the Defense Ministry are struggling to meet the rising demand for care following nearly three years of intense fighting on multiple fronts.
Reservists describe a distinct gap in support between regular-service soldiers and reserve personnel. While regulars receive ongoing assistance, reservists often obtain limited help only near the end of their deployments. Military sources serving in the reserves claim that once they return to civilian life, the military considers its duty complete, leaving them to manage bureaucracy and thin support services independently.
The Ta'atzumot Clinic and the Combat Stress Reaction Unit, both operated by the IDF Medical Corps, have not kept pace with demand while active combat continues. Specialists warn that the psychological impact on hundreds of thousands of combat soldiers and reservists is expected to intensify in the coming years. Estimates from the IDF and the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department suggest that tens of thousands of soldiers, primarily reservists, will develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
More than 7,000 soldiers, most of whom are combat troops, have already been officially recognized as having psychological disabilities resulting from their service. The Ta'atzumot Clinic reports that approximately 65% of its patients return to service. However, sources question whether this figure represents the full scope of recovery or only those who successfully accessed the front line of treatment.
One source argued that the IDF should collaborate more closely with private groups to standardize care. The source stated, "It would have been preferable for the IDF to initiate a process with the nonprofit organizations and private bodies to minimize the gaps in diagnosis, oversight, and ultimately treatment."
The IDF Spokesperson's Unit stated that the military has expanded its mental health capacity and quality since the war began. The service reported opening new clinics across Israel and operating a 24-hour hotline seven days a week. The military added that it proactively identifies those needing help through structured debriefing sessions with units immediately after operational deployments.
The Combat Stress Reaction Unit has treated more than 5,000 new patients, including veterans and discharged personnel, and has widened access in northern and southern Israel. The IDF said the unit works with the Defense Ministry and that periodic patient surveys indicate most patients are satisfied with the care provided.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
