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Abstract Background In the complex landscape of modern warfare, understanding combat-related injuries leading to hospitalization is crucial for optimizing injury treatment. This study aims to compare combat casualty characteristics and outcomes during the major conflicts between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014 as a basis for understanding the effectiveness of trauma care practices for wounded soldiers. Methods A cohort study of soldiers hospitalized due to combat injuries during two major wars between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014, using data from the Israeli National Trauma Registry. This study did not include deaths before hospital arrival or casualties who were discharged from the Emergency Department. Results Of the 1,198 study subjects, 67.8% belonged to the 2023 cohort and 32.2% to the 2014 cohort. The percentage of casualties with severe and critical injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS] 16–75) was higher among the 2023 cohort (18.6% vs. 13.7%, p = 0.036), as was the percentage of casualties with multiple severe injuries (≥ 2 regions with Abbreviated Injury Score ≥ 3: 11.5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.035) and firearm injuries (19.6% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.081). Injuries to the torso and extremities were more frequent among the 2023 cohort. Among the critically injured casualties (ISS 25–75), the mortality rates were 17.3% vs. 28.6%, respectively, for the 2023 and 2014 cohorts (p = 0.351); adjusted HR (95% CI): 0.56 (0.21–1.49). The 2023 cohort had higher rates for treatment in the trauma bay (61.5% vs. 47.9%, p 14 days: 15.5% vs. 8.8%, p