The Knesset plenum approved in a preliminary reading on Wednesday a bill that would entitle victims of hostile acts, such as the October 7 Hamas attacks, to receive mental health care support through unlimited psychological treatment.
Survivors and victims of hostile acts would not need to prove physical or psychological disability, nor would there be a limit on the number of treatments they can receive under the proposed legislation.
The bill was sponsored by Democrats MK Merav Michaeli and United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni. It passed unanimously, with 19 Knesset members voting in favor and none opposed. The bill is titled: “Compensation for Victims of Hostile Acts Bill, Amendment – Eligibility for Psychological Treatment.”
The proposed legislation will now be referred to the Knesset’s Labor and Welfare Committee for further discussion, and will still need to pass three additional readings before becoming law.
According to the bill’s outline, anyone officially recognized as a victim of hostile acts would be entitled to psychological treatment.
The explanatory notes accompanying the bill cite the October 7 massacre, pointing to the mental health needs of survivors.
Available assistance an 'extreme mismatch' to needs of survivors
The notes state that the attacks have highlighted “the extreme mismatch” between the needs of victims of hostile acts and the assistance currently provided to them.
“This amendment will enable victims to receive the necessary mental health support,” the explanatory notes read.
“Expanding the scope of assistance will help rehabilitate the victims and restore a sense of security and stability to their lives.”
The notes further stipulate that rehabilitating victims of hostile acts is of social and economic interest, contributing directly to the maintenance of a healthy society and higher national productivity.
Michaeli said after the advancement of her proposed bill that mental health care for victims of terror is the country’s “responsibility.”
“Those who were harmed by the horrific October 7 massacre, at the Nova festival, and as a result of other terror attacks should not have to prove disability or count treatment sessions. They need rehabilitation,” she added.
Michaeli also addressed survivors of attacks, calling on them to seek support as needed.
“To the dear survivors: take care of yourselves. We care about you, and we will not relent until the state provides you with the support you deserve,” she said.