A sharp rise in mental health issues, including suicide attempts and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is plaguing the ranks of the Israeli military, according to recent reports. The situation has been exacerbated following the commencement of military operations in Gaza in October 2023.
Reports from the Israeli Ministry of Defense indicate a staggering 40% increase in PTSD cases among soldiers since the start of the Gaza operations. Projections estimate a potential surge of up to 180% by 2028. These figures paint a grim picture of the psychological toll exacted on military personnel.
The Ministry further reveals that approximately 60% of the over 22,300 soldiers receiving treatment for war-related injuries are also grappling with PTSD. A 2025 report by Maccabi, a major Israeli healthcare provider, highlights that 39% of their military patients are seeking psychological support, while 26% are expressing concerns related to depression.
Numerous Israeli organizations are struggling to accommodate the influx of regular and reserve soldiers suffering from PTSD. Some veterans have even resorted to acquiring specially trained dogs for emotional and psychological support, underscoring the severity of the crisis.
Psychiatrist Ronen Sidi, who oversees veteran research at HaEmek Medical Center in Israel, attributes the surge in mental health disorders to soldiers’ exposure to what he describes as “intense fear experiences” and “fear of death” in Gaza, Lebanon, and even within Israel itself.
One veteran, who served in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, told reporters that he had to leave his job as a project manager at a global company because the “sound of bullets” continued to haunt him long after returning from combat. He added that he lives in a constant state of alert, stating, “I live like this every day.”
The process for soldiers seeking mental health treatment involves an evaluation by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, a process that can take months. Trauma specialists suggest that this lengthy and bureaucratic process may deter soldiers from seeking the help they desperately need. The situation is further compounded by reports that 279 soldiers have attempted suicide.
