The Knesset Arrangements Committee, chaired by Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, approved the Combat PTSD bill in a cross-party effort. The bill defines combat PTSD in legislation for the first time, granting legal status, tailored treatments through the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division, and expanded benefits for veterans and their families. It will face second and third readings in the plenary this week.
The Knesset Arrangements Committee on Sunday approved the Combat PTSD bill ("Halumei Krav") in a rare show of cross-party cooperation, advancing legislation that for the first time would define combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder in Israeli law. The bill, shepherded by Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz, grants legal status to combat PTSD sufferers, mandates personalized treatment through the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division, and expands eligibility for benefits and compensation to veterans and their families.
Israeli media reports indicate the bill emerged from a Knesset committee process with broad support from both coalition and opposition lawmakers. The legislation is expected to pass its second and third readings in the plenary this week, making it a final law.
Combat trauma victims have long advocated for formal recognition and dedicated state support. The Zioneer has previously covered the issue, including a July 8 Knesset speech by combat PTSD sufferer Omer Amselem, who criticized political exploitation of soldiers' trauma, and a law passed in June capping legal fees for disabled security-force veterans. The new bill addresses a key legislative gap identified by advocacy groups.
4 developments
- DevelopingKnesset committee approves emergency accessibility regulations for disabled people
- StrongIsrael passes law capping legal fees for disabled security-force veterans
- StrongCoalition advances bill despite Haredi boycott, Knesset floor erupts in ugly confrontation
- StrongCombat PTSD sufferer Omer Amselem decries political exploitation of soldiers' trauma in Knesset speech
Source and signal
- Internal intake