PTSD and Suicides Surge Among Israeli Soldiers Amid Gaza War

Two years into Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Israeli soldiers are facing unprecedented levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a spike in suicides, with over 11,000 soldiers admitted to the Defense Ministry's psychological rehabilitation program and tens of thousands more likely suffering in silence. The military is investigating at least 37 suicides since the war began, more than triple the number during the 2014 Gaza war, highlighting an alarming mental health crisis among returning troops. Cases such as a combat veteran who set himself on fire after being denied psychiatric care have drawn public attention to the issue, which was once taboo in Israel but is now openly discussed by lawmakers and families. Soldiers describe haunting memories and psychological scars from the brutal conflict, while some families report their loved ones were recalled to duty before completing treatment. The war has also led to a rise in recruitment of young, inexperienced soldiers and growing public concern, including calls for protests against policies affecting military service and mental health support. This crisis reflects the devastating human toll of the conflict, with Israeli soldiers enduring both physical combat and profound psychological trauma.