Gaza, MINA – Suicide rates among Israeli occupation military personnel have reached a critical level, with 38 confirmed cases between 2023 and 2024, according to data published by the Hebrew-language outlet Walla on Sunday. Of these, 28 occurred after Israel’s military escalation in Gaza began in October 2023.
The data represents a significant surge from 14 suicides reported in 2022 and 11 in 2011, indicating a near fourfold increase in just two years.
Military analysts attribute the rise to prolonged combat exposure, high psychological stress, and the mass mobilization of more than 300,000 reservists deployed in ongoing operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
A source within the IDF’s Manpower Directorate confirmed that suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Israeli troops, after combat-related fatalities.
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In 2023, the IDF reported 558 total deaths: 512 from military operations, 17 suicides, and 10 due to medical conditions. In 2024, 363 deaths have been recorded so far, including 21 suicides.
Several cases illustrate the mental toll of deployment. Daniel Idri, a reservist, died by self-immolation after serving in Gaza and Lebanon. His family cited persistent post-traumatic stress symptoms, including flashbacks and sensory hallucinations. Another reservist, Eliran Mizrahi, took his life after months of mental health deterioration post-deployment.
The Israeli occupation military also reported a growing number of personnel seeking psychiatric support or requesting exemption from active duty. In January 2024 alone, more than 1,600 soldiers received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In response, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has ordered the establishment of a dedicated mental health task force to provide emergency psychological support and strengthen internal monitoring systems.
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Mental health experts warn that unless systemic support is expanded, the IDF may face a deeper morale and readiness crisis among its active and reserve forces. []
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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