The Knesset Arrangements Committee passed the Combat PTSD law, granting an official legal definition to combat PTSD victims for the first time. The legislation mandates personalized treatments through the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department and is expected to pass second and third readings this week. A video by C14 showed combat PTSD sufferer Omer Amselem celebrating the vote with MK Katz, who told him: 'You made history.'
Earlier today, the Knesset Arrangements Committee approved the Combat PTSD bill, granting an official legal definition and mandating personalized treatments through the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Department. In a video released by news outlet C14, veteran Omer Amselem, a combat PTSD sufferer, was seen celebrating with MK Ofir Katz, who told him: “You made history. Finally. You deserve it. We needed to do this a long time ago.” Amselem, who lobbied for the law, called it a historic moment that was long overdue.
The committee vote, which took place around 16:25 Jerusalem time, saw rare cross-party support, as reported by multiple outlets including N12. The bill defines combat PTSD in law for the first time, grants legal status to affected veterans, and expands eligibility for benefits and compensation. It is expected to pass second and third readings in the Knesset plenary later this week.
Amselem has been a vocal advocate for combat veterans. In a Knesset speech on July 8, as reported by The Zioneer, he criticized political exploitation of soldiers' trauma and called for legislation to support combat soldiers.
The law still requires final approval in the plenary. The specific budget allocation and implementation timeline have not been disclosed.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake