A recent report presented to the Knesset's Health Committee highlighted a concerning shortage of mental health support staff for combat veterans in Israel. According to Roni Sandrovitz, head of the Social Services Division in the Ministry of Defense, there is currently one companion assigned to assist every 850 veterans suffering from psychological injuries. This figure underscores the growing demand for mental health services among military personnel, particularly as the number of officially recognized mental health patients has tripled in the past two years, increasing from 11,000 to over 31,000.

This spike in cases represents about 38% of all the soldiers and security personnel receiving treatment through the Ministry's rehabilitation division, which serves over 82,000 individuals. The report also indicated that there are still many individuals awaiting the completion of their recognition process as patients, further straining the resources available for mental health care. The acknowledgment of this issue by the Ministry of Defense's representative sheds light on the critical need for enhanced mental health services in the military.

The implications of this report are significant, drawing attention to the mental health crisis facing veterans in Israel. As the military grapples with the increasing number of cases and the inadequate staffing to address these needs, the government may need to reassess its commitment and resources for veteran care. There is a pressing urgency for more trained professionals to ensure that veterans can access the support they need, which could lead to broader discussions on mental health funding and policies within the defense establishment and beyond.