What's Happening?
Reservists and active-duty soldiers from the IDF's casualty identification units have reported to the Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee about the lack of mental health support following their service. These soldiers, many of whom are students in hesder
yeshiva, participated in identifying casualties at the Shura military base during the early days of the war. Despite their involvement, they are not eligible for army assistance due to their unpaid service status. The committee discussion highlighted that soldiers who served for 45 days or more are eligible for combat-soldier benefits, but those who served less are not. This has left many without access to resilience programs or the 'Amit Program,' which aids in processing service experiences.
Why It's Important?
The lack of mental health support for these soldiers underscores a significant gap in the military's responsibility towards its personnel. The issue highlights the broader challenge of providing adequate care for those exposed to traumatic experiences during service. The situation affects not only the soldiers' well-being but also their reintegration into civilian life. The IDF's current policy places the responsibility on health maintenance organizations, which may not be equipped to handle the specific needs of these soldiers. This could lead to long-term psychological impacts and affect the overall morale and readiness of military personnel.
What's Next?
The Knesset committee, led by Michal Waldiger, has called for hesder soldiers to be included in the eligibility for the Amit Program and for a reevaluation of the 45-day service criterion for resilience programs. The committee's demands suggest potential policy changes that could extend mental health support to a broader group of soldiers. The IDF and the Defense Ministry may need to collaborate with health organizations to ensure comprehensive care. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for how military mental health support is structured in the future.
