The Israeli Ministry of Defense has revealed that the number of wounded and disabled soldiers has risen to 78,000, with over 50% being reservists under 30 and 62% suffering from psychological injuries.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has disclosed that the number of wounded and disabled soldiers in its military has surged to 78,000, a stark reflection of the heavy toll inflicted by the Israeli war and genocide in Gaza.
This revelation came during a special committee meeting on foreign workers, chaired by Israel’s Knesset member Eti Hava Attia, which examined the needs of soldiers injured in the so-called ‘Iron Sword’ operation and disabled veterans requiring foreign caretakers, as the Israeli news website Walla reported on Sunday.
According to the ministry, over 50% of the wounded are reservists under the age of 30. Additionally, 62% of these casualties are suffering from psychological injuries, while 10% are in moderate to severe physical condition. Currently, 194 soldiers remain hospitalized, with most receiving treatment at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, and Ichilov Hospital, according to Israeli media.
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Israeli media have conveyed the growing concerns in Israel over a severe shortage of manpower within the military. Estimates suggest that the Israeli army will face a prolonged deficit in human resources, as Al-Mayadeen reported, stating that such a shortage is reminiscent of the challenges during the ‘security zone’ period in southern Lebanon and the Second Intifada.
An extensive report published by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth revealed a deep crisis plaguing the Israeli army due to the increasing burden on its forces amid multiple fronts and potential preparations to launch a new military aggression on the Gaza Strip.
The report by the newspaper’s military analyst, Yoav Zitun, highlighted the difficulties faced by the army, including a shortage of manpower, operational and psychological pressures, and logistical challenges that threaten its ability to maintain stability across various fronts.
The report also discussed the impact of these pressures on the likelihood of waging a new war on Gaza and what that would mean in terms of additional strain on soldiers and their families.
(Al Mayadeen, Walla, PC, AJA)
