OVER 80,000 ISRAELI SOLDIERS TREATED FOR MENTAL DISORDERS SINCE GAZA GENOCIDE

Thu 11 December 2025:

Israel has seen a sharp rise in psychological disorders among soldiers since the Gaza genocide began two years ago.

Israel’s Defence Ministry said around 62,000 troops were receiving treatment on the evening of October 7, 2023. That figure has since climbed to roughly 85,000.

Tamar Shimoni, deputy head of the ministry’s Rehabilitation Department, told Army Radio the increase was “unprecedented.” She said around one third of soldiers are now dealing with psychological problems directly linked to the events of the Hamas-led “Operation Al Aqsa Flood.”

Shimoni warned that a single therapist may now be responsible for as many as 750 patients. The shortage has made timely treatment extremely difficult, even as demand continues to rise.

Israeli media have reported a broader national strain. In November, the newspaper Yedioth Aharonoth described a “widespread psychological crisis” and said nearly two million Israelis are now in need of mental health support, including many soldiers.

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Suicides

Reports have also pointed to a rise in suicides within the military. Maariv reported that a soldier died by suicide on Saturday after struggling with post-traumatic stress from combat. The paper said a reserve officer from the Givati Brigade died by suicide the week before after a psychological struggle.

Military data released in October documented 279 suicide attempts over an 18-month period, including 36 deaths.

Shimoni said the widening gap between need and capacity has left therapists overwhelmed, with the pace of new cases showing no sign of slowing.

The genocide’s second year has intensified long-standing concerns over the availability of treatment. Israeli officials now face questions about how quickly they can expand services and whether the system can adapt to escalating demand.

Families and advocates warn that the numbers should be viewed as a clear warning of an urgent mental health crisis.

Concerns stretch beyond the military. Yedioth Aharonoth’s warning described a country under deep psychological strain, with rising drug addiction and widespread trauma forming part of the national picture.

Military reports on suicide attempts have further fuelled public debate over the long-term effects of sustained conflict on soldiers and civilians alike.

Health experts say the broader context is essential to understanding this trend. Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023.

By Kamal Shami

This article is republished from 5Pillars. Read the original article.