Our Government Ignored the Mental Health Crisis. Now It’s Costing Millions.

The State Comptroller’s report, released today, confirms what many of us have feared: Israel’s mental health system collapsed after October 7, and the government failed to prepare for the psychological toll of war.

Three million Israelis are now at risk of PTSD, depression, and anxiety, yet the infrastructure to support them is practically nonexistent. The Health Ministry wasn’t ready. The Finance Ministry miscalculated compensation for victims. And worst of all, this disaster was entirely predictable.

Israel has been fighting wars and terror for decades. We know the psychological cost of conflict. So why did it take a government report—four months after the attacks—for officials to acknowledge that millions would need urgent mental health care?

A System That Was Already Broken

The mental health system wasn’t in good shape before October 7. Waiting times for psychiatric care in public clinics were already months long. The workforce was too small, funding was insufficient, and stigma kept many from seeking treatment.

Then came the deadliest terror attack in Israel’s history, followed by a full-scale war. Trauma on a national scale. And yet, the government did nothing to prepare for the surge in mental health needs. No expansion of services. No emergency response plan. No strategy to ensure that those suffering could get help.

Now we’re seeing the result:

• 90% of those struggling with symptoms of PTSD or depression haven’t received treatment.
• Evacuees from the south and north were largely left without mental health support. In the first six months after the attacks, only 11 percent received any psychological care.
• Survivors, first responders, and families of victims have been ignored. Half of the young people who survived the October 7 massacre at the Nova music festival have received no mental health assistance. Many of the volunteers who handled bodies in the aftermath were never contacted for follow-up care.

This is negligence, plain and simple. And the consequences will last for years.

The Government’s Excuses Are Not Good Enough

The Health Ministry has already tried to dismiss the report, claiming that not everyone who experiences trauma needs treatment. That’s a convenient way to justify their failure to provide services.

But when 900,000 Israelis with moderate-to-severe symptoms haven’t gotten help—many because of long waiting times or a lack of access—this is not about overreacting. This is about a government that refused to plan for the inevitable.

The Finance Ministry also failed. They underestimated the number of terror victims who would qualify for financial assistance. The original estimate was 6,700. The real number? 20,000. That means they miscalculated compensation payments by billions of shekels, showing a complete lack of foresight.

This is not just about bureaucratic errors. This is about real people whose lives are at risk. Untreated trauma doesn’t just go away. It can lead to substance abuse, unemployment, domestic violence, chronic illness, and even suicide. The government’s failure to act will have long-term consequences for individuals, families, and Israeli society.

We Need Action Now – And That Includes Mental Health First Aid

Fixing this crisis will take years. However, there is something that can be done immediately: teach basic mental health support to everyday people.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a simple yet powerful tool. It trains people—teachers, employers, first responders, and community leaders—to recognize signs of trauma and distress, provide initial support, and guide people toward professional care.

In a country where most people will not get timely professional treatment, this kind of intervention can be the difference between someone getting help or continuing to suffer in silence.

Mental Health First Aid won’t replace psychiatrists or psychologists. But it can help prevent crises from escalating. It can make mental health a normal, open conversation rather than something people feel ashamed of. And in a nation that has just endured its most traumatic year in decades, this kind of cultural shift is long overdue.

No More Excuses – It’s Time for Real Leadership

The government has failed the Israeli people in the aftermath of October 7. It ignored warnings, dismissed expert advice, and is now trying to downplay the scale of the crisis. That is unacceptable.

The mental health crisis is not going away. The question is whether our leaders will finally take it seriously—or whether they will continue to let millions suffer while they debate budget allocations and blame others for their failures.

We need urgent action:

• Immediate funding for mental health services and emergency recruitment of professionals.
• Full recognition of the second circle of trauma victims—family members, first responders, and volunteers.
• A nationwide rollout of Mental Health First Aid training to ensure communities can provide basic psychological support.

If the government won’t take responsibility, the people will. However, this should never have been left to individuals and volunteers to solve. This is a national crisis, and it demands a national response.

The time for excuses is over. We need action now.