Israel is facing a sharp rise in post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide among its military personnel as the conflict in Gaza stretches into its third year, placing unprecedented strain on soldiers and reservists.
Reports from the defence ministry and healthcare providers point to a deepening mental health emergency, with fighting continuing in Gaza and Lebanon and regional tensions escalating. The war expanded early on into cross-border clashes with Hezbollah, drawing hundreds of thousands of troops into some of the most intense combat Israel has experienced.
Israeli officials say more than 1,100 service members have been killed since October 2023, while Palestinian and Lebanese authorities report over 71,000 deaths in Gaza and more than 4,400 in southern Lebanon. Gaza has been left largely destroyed, with millions displaced and lacking basic necessities. Mental health professionals in the enclave warn of severe psychological trauma, particularly among children.
Within Israel’s military, the toll has been significant. Defence ministry data shows PTSD cases among soldiers have risen by nearly 40 percent since late 2023, with projections warning the figure could surge by 180 percent by 2028. Of more than 22,000 troops receiving treatment for war-related injuries, around 60 percent are dealing with post-traumatic stress.
Healthcare providers report a sharp increase in soldiers seeking psychological support. Alternative therapies have also seen growing use, while non-profit organisations have stepped in with programmes ranging from surf therapy to service dogs for veterans struggling to cope.
Psychologists say soldiers are burdened by intense fear experienced during deployment as well as moral injury linked to civilian deaths. Living with the consequences of split-second decisions, especially when innocents are harmed, has left many with lasting emotional scars.
The impact is spilling into everyday life. Some reservists have been forced to leave their jobs, unable to escape memories of combat and the constant sense of danger even after returning home.
Accessing state mental health support remains a challenge. Soldiers must undergo lengthy evaluations before receiving full assistance, a process that can discourage those in need. A parliamentary review revealed that hundreds of suicide attempts were recorded between early 2024 and mid-2025, with combat soldiers making up the majority.
Mental health professionals warn that untreated trauma significantly increases the risk of self-harm. At the same time, the likelihood of further combat remains high, with Israeli forces still deployed across large parts of Gaza, southern Lebanon, and southern Syria.
As regional tensions intensify and the possibility of wider confrontation looms, Israel’s armed forces continue to face not only battlefield threats, but a growing psychological crisis at home.
