The Israeli government on Sunday approved a comprehensive new initiative proposed by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu that will provide continued assistance to survivors of the October 7, 2023, massacre at the southern music festivals, committing tens of millions of shekels toward their long-term rehabilitation, mental health care, and economic recovery.

The program allocates approximately NIS 60 million for the years 2026 through 2028 and is intended to ensure that thousands of survivors and their families continue receiving coordinated support as they rebuild their lives in the years following the Hamas attack.

The plan was developed under the direction of the Prime Minister’s Office following extensive work involving multiple government ministries, analysis of available data, consultations with survivors and their families, and discussions with medical, mental health, and rehabilitation professionals.

Officials said the new initiative reflects the transition from the immediate emergency response following the October 7 attack to a longer-term strategy focused on sustained recovery and rehabilitation.

Government data indicates that roughly 3,600 survivors of the southern festivals have been officially recognized as victims of hostile acts. According to the government, the high rates of physical injuries and long-term disabilities among survivors demonstrate the need for continued specialized treatment and support.

Under the approved plan, each survivor will have access to a centralized government support system that will help navigate available benefits, coordinate therapeutic services, and ensure continuity of rehabilitation through the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs.

The initiative also expands assistance for family members, recognizing their critical role in helping survivors recover from the trauma.

Among the additional measures included in the program are specialized prevention, intervention, and treatment initiatives addressing substance abuse among survivors, expanded medical and mental health services, and improved access to emergency psychological care for both survivors and their families.

The government also plans to strengthen long-term continuity of care by better coordinating physical and mental health services and ensuring that treatment plans remain integrated across agencies.

To help survivors return to the workforce, the program calls for individualized rehabilitation and employment pathways developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, the Employment Service, and Israel’s National Insurance Institute.

In addition, officials will continue expanding a centralized government digital platform designed to coordinate services among agencies, assist survivors in accessing their rights and benefits, manage data, and provide policymakers with updated information for future decisions.

The government also announced that the existing committee of ministry directors-general overseeing the recovery effort will continue its work. A dedicated official within the Prime Minister’s Office has been appointed to coordinate implementation of the program, monitor its progress, and ensure that government services continue evolving to meet the changing needs of survivors and their families.

Officials said the goal of the initiative is to provide long-term, coordinated, and accessible support so that survivors of the southern music festivals continue receiving the care and assistance they need as they work toward recovery and a return to normal life.