Since the outbreak of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israeli media have reported that at least 43 soldiers have died by suicide.
The Haaretz newspaper revealed that the most recent case involved a Golani Brigade soldier who fatally shot himself at the Sde Yaman base shortly after returning from Gaza for additional training. He had reportedly been summoned for questioning by military police as part of an earlier investigation prior to taking his life.
In a separate report, the Israeli outlet Walla disclosed that another soldier ended his life following prolonged emotional distress caused by the traumatic scenes he encountered during the extended conflict in both Gaza and Lebanon. His psychological decline reportedly began with the loss of two close comrades on October 7 and worsened over time as he continued to witness disturbing battlefield conditions.
According to his family, the soldier frequently mentioned being haunted by “the stench of corpses and the horrific things he had seen.” His role involved transporting the remains of fallen soldiers from combat zones in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite seeking psychological help multiple times, he reportedly received no effective assistance, ultimately leading to his suicide.
The military allegedly denied him burial with full honors and did not officially recognize him among the casualties of the war.
There are growing allegations that the Israeli army has been attempting to downplay or censor information about suicides within its ranks. Reports suggest that some soldiers have been buried quietly, without military ceremonies or public disclosure, in what appears to be an effort to obscure the true scale of the problem.
Meanwhile, Maariv, a Hebrew-language publication, reported that the Knesset is preparing to hold an emergency session. This move comes in response to pressure from the families of soldiers, who have raised serious safety concerns about the Puma armored vehicles used extensively in Gaza. Specific issues cited include the absence of a rear emergency exit, inadequate camera coverage, and reduced protection compared to other military vehicles.
In recent months, the military has faced a notable shortage of personnel, reportedly leading to the recall of soldiers previously diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Critics argue that Israeli forces are being redeployed into battle zones that have already seen heavy conflict, compounding psychological harm among troops.