Israeli Army Faces Spike In Suicides Amid Gaza War Trauma

Four Israeli soldiers died by suicide in under two weeks, including both active-duty conscripts and discharged reservists who fought in Gaza.

July 16, 2025Clash Report

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According to reports by Haaretz and The Times of Israel, the recent suicides involve two active-duty conscripts and two reservists who were discharged after long periods of combat. A fifth soldier reportedly attempted suicide and remains in critical condition.

Since Israel launched its war on Gaza, more than 43 soldiers have died by suicide, including 14 cases in 2025. In 2024 alone, 21 Israeli soldiers took their lives — the highest suicide toll in over a decade. Military sources attribute the trend to exposure to relentless combat, death, and moral exhaustion.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the situation “unbearable,” stating on X, “This war also kills souls.”

Casualties Mount As Combat Continues

Israeli military data shows at least 893 soldiers have died since the war began, including 45 since Israel broke a ceasefire agreement on 18 March. More than 19,000 others have been wounded, with Hamas intensifying its attacks through ambushes and attempted captures of Israeli troops.

The Israeli army has not publicly acknowledged all suicide cases, and human rights groups believe the real number may be higher due to unreported incidents or those classified under other categories.

As the psychological burden grows heavier on frontline troops, mental health organizations are calling for urgent intervention, including better monitoring, counseling, and reduced exposure to high-risk combat scenarios.

Israeli Army Faces Spike In Suicides Amid Gaza War Trauma