Shahar Beck Selected to Lead New National Rehabilitation Authority

Israel’s Defense Ministry selected Brig. Gen. (res.) Shahar Beck on Sunday, November 15, as the first head of its new national authority for the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded IDF and security-force personnel. Beck will lead the transformation of the ministry’s Rehabilitation Department into an authority with expanded powers and budgets. The selection was made by a tender committee that included Defense Ministry Director-General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Baram. The ministry said the reform implements a government decision adopting recommendations of the public committee headed by Prof. Mor Yosef. The decision provides for 280 additional positions and an annual NIS 1 billion increase in the budget base. Baram described the move as a fundamental change in how the state provides services and support to its wounded personnel, alongside the organizational change. Beck, himself an injured IDF veteran, has been acting head of the Rehabilitation Department in recent months. Since 2024, he has headed the National Mine and Unexploded Ordnance Clearance Authority. His previous roles include commander of the Tactical Command College and commander of the Yahalom unit. The ministry called the appointment the first stage of creating an authority with independent capabilities. The recommendations were developed with the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization, injured personnel, and medical and mental-health experts. Implementation is intended to remove bureaucratic obstacles, introduce advanced technologies and strengthen rehabilitation services. The stated goals include shorter waiting times, broader rehabilitation and mental-health services, and improved access to entitlements.