Struggles with trauma lead to suicide of Israeli soldier

Struggles with trauma lead to suicide of Israeli soldier

In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, following the October 2023 escalation, a significant increase in suicides among Israeli soldiers due to severe psychological trauma has been reported. According to Israeli media and army sources, at least 42 to 43 soldiers have taken their own lives since October 2023, a notable rise compared to previous periods [1][2][3].

## Causes of the Increase

The prolonged nature of the war, with soldiers enduring repeated deployments and prolonged exposure to life-threatening situations, has compounded stress. Soldiers are exposed to intense combat, loss of comrades, and the harrowing task of transporting and handling bodies of the dead. Many suffer from recurring visions of death and the pervasive smell of destruction, leading to acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [1][2].

Additionally, the Israeli army faces a personnel shortage, forcing it to recruit reservists—including those with existing mental health conditions or those undergoing treatment—to maintain operational capacity [2][3]. Despite efforts to provide psychological care, many soldiers report insufficient access to or the ineffectiveness of mental health services. Some soldiers have ended their lives after repeated unsuccessful attempts to receive treatment [1][2].

## Numbers and Cases

Between October 2023 and July 2025, Israeli media and official sources report 42–43 soldier suicides directly attributable to war-related mental health issues [1][2][3]. Israel’s Ministry of Homeland Security reported that approximately 9,000 soldiers have become mentally disabled since October 7, 2023 [2][3].

A tragic recent incident involves Daniel Edri (also reported as Daniel Adri), a 24-year-old reserve soldier responsible for transporting the bodies of killed troops on the front lines in Lebanon and Gaza, who died by suicide following a prolonged struggle with psychological trauma and the loss of two friends [1][2][3].

## Army’s Response

In response to this crisis, the Israeli military has recruited over 800 psychiatrists and established mental health counseling centers to address the issue [2]. However, due to manpower shortages, the army has called up reservists and even individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, despite the risks [2][3].

Military commanders have reportedly advised soldiers that their main options for dealing with trauma are to seek help, face the aftermath, or, distressingly, contemplate desertion or suicide—highlighting the pressure and limited resources available [2]. Transparency regarding the number of suicides remains limited, with many soldiers who have died by suicide being buried without military funerals [2][3].

## Summary

This crisis underscores the severe mental health toll of prolonged conflict on combatants, with both personal and institutional challenges to providing effective care and support [2][3][1]. The Israeli army has not released full numbers of soldiers who have killed themselves, and it is projected that up to 100,000 people, mostly soldiers, will need long-term mental health care by 2030. A top officer admitted that the Israeli army is using soldiers with mental illnesses, further emphasising the need for comprehensive mental health support for soldiers.

1. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, after the October 2023 escalation, has led to a significant increase in suicides among Israeli soldiers, primarily due to severe psychological trauma.
2. The Israeli army, dealing with personnel shortages, is recruiting reservists, including those with mental health conditions, causing concern as these soldiers are likely to face additional challenges.
3. In an attempt to address the issue, the Israeli military has recruited over 800 psychiatrists and established mental health counseling centers. However, the limited manpower and resources have hindered delivering effective help.
4. Despite the efforts to provide psychological care, many soldiers have reported insufficient access to or the ineffectiveness of mental health services, leading to repeated unsuccessful attempts for treatment.
5. This crisis in Israeli military mental health underscores the need for comprehensive mental health support for soldiers involved in prolonged conflicts and the challenges of providing effective care and support.
6. Top military officers have admitted to using soldiers with mental illnesses as the Israeli Army projects that up to 100,000 people, mostly soldiers, will need long-term mental health care by 2030, emphasizing the urgency for better mental health support in war-and-conflicts. Additionally, addressing mental health issues in entertainment, politics, news, health-and-wellness, science, health, business, general-news, and other facets of society may help address the root causes of this crisis.

Read also: