Israel's parliament gave final approval Wednesday to the Combat PTSD Treatment Law, which establishes tailored care for soldiers suffering from combat shock and creates a committee to provide ex-gratia assistance. The bill passed with 70 votes in favor and none opposed.
The Knesset gave final approval Wednesday evening to the Combat PTSD Treatment Law, passing the bill 70-0 in a vote that reflected broad bipartisan consensus. The law, which now takes effect, legally defines combat shock for the first time in Israeli legislation and mandates the IDF and Ministry of Defense to provide tailored mental health care. It also allocates 45 million shekels for expanded assistance through a new committee that can grant ex-gratia aid beyond standard eligibility criteria.
The vote capped a rapid legislative process. Earlier Wednesday, the Knesset Arrangements Committee unanimously approved the bill for second and third readings, as The Zioneer reported at 17:33 Jerusalem. The same committee session also saw the bill's legal definition of 'combat shock' — a key provision that had been absent from previous law. Coalition Chair Ofir Katz, who chaired the committee, described the law as a historic step, saying 'they deserve everything.' The final plenum vote followed the same overwhelming support, with no opposition.
The legislation builds on months of advocacy. The Zioneer reported on Wednesday at 17:01 Jerusalem that MK Michal Woldiger praised the law, saying soldiers must know they will be cared for. On July 12, the Combat PTSD forum welcomed the committee's decision to advance the bill, calling it a 'step toward correction.' The Knesset had also given a standing ovation to combat PTSD victims on July 14 ahead of a vote on a related rehabilitation bill. The new law aligns with a broader push to improve support for disabled veterans, including a law passed June 9 capping legal fees for security-force veterans seeking disability recognition.
With the law now approved, attention turns to its implementation. The Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division will be responsible for providing the tailored treatments, while the new ex-gratia committee is expected to begin reviewing cases. The law's full impact will depend on the resources allocated and the speed of implementation.
6 developments
- StrongCombat PTSD forum welcomes Knesset committee's decision to advance recognition bill
- DevelopingMK Woldiger hails Combat PTSD law, says soldiers must know they will be cared for
- StrongIsrael passes law capping legal fees for disabled security-force veterans
- DevelopingIsrael's Knesset approves full reimbursement of medical costs for security dogs adopted by wounded fighters
Source and signal
- Internal intake