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?

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.........

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