Over five months after the completion of the IDF military offensive against Hamas in Gaza known as Operation Protective Edge, the IDF and Defense Ministry have recognized 300 soldiers who took part in the operation as “disabled”. This includes reservists, standing army and career personnel.

According to the information released, nine of the soldiers were classified as 100% disabled; 150 soldiers 20% disabled; 62 soldiers 10-19% disabled; and 55 soldiers up to 9% disabled. Of the numbers listed, a small yet unspecified number have been classified as disabled due to PTSD.

According to Defense Ministry officials, a large number sustained system wide injuries, orthopedic injuries, loss of hearing, head injuries and psychological trauma. Officials in the ministry’s rehabilitation unit report more than a small number of soldiers were treated for intestinal infections, eye infections, insect bites and various aches and aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The ministry reports it received 503 requests for disability and 131 of them are still under review. 74 requests await processing and 9 are at the stage of being reviewed by medical experts.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)