Israeli military officials are raising alarms over a sharp increase in soldier suicides linked to prolonged combat exposure amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and operations across multiple regional fronts. At least five soldiers, including conscripts and recently discharged reservists, have taken their own lives in the past two weeks alone, adding to a grim tally that has surged since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported seven suicides by the end of 2023, followed by 21 confirmed cases in 2024, with an additional 20 incidents recorded since January. Among the latest casualties was a 19-year-old Norwegian immigrant who had joined the IDF less than a year ago and was still in training. Other cases include a Golani Brigade serviceman who died by suicide at the Sde Teiman base and reservist Daniel Edri, who self-immolated after a PTSD diagnosis. Military authorities emphasize that the majority of these deaths involve active-duty reservists, with combat trauma—not personal issues—cited as the primary factor.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid described the trend as devastating, stating, “One cannot breathe in the face of this statistic. This war also kills souls.” The IDF has acknowledged that thousands of reservists have withdrawn from combat due to psychological strain, though experts warn the true toll of service-related suicides may be higher. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported at least 12 non-combat veteran deaths in recent years excluded from official military counts, suggesting gaps in data tracking mental health impacts.
Now in its 21st month, the Gaza conflict has stretched military resources, with 893 Israeli soldiers killed and over 1,200 civilians dead in Hamas’ October 7 attack, according to official figures. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in nearly 59,000 Palestinian fatalities, per Gaza’s Health Ministry. Beyond Gaza, Israel has expanded strikes in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and the West Bank, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framing the multi-front engagement as a defense against “barbarism.”
The psychological toll on troops has intensified amid extended deployments and mounting casualties. Analysts note that repeated exposure to urban combat, coupled with limited mental health support for reservists transitioning back to civilian life, exacerbates risks of trauma. While the IDF has not detailed specific interventions, the rising suicide rate underscores broader concerns about the human cost of a conflict with no clear end in sight.
