Four traumatized “Israeli” soldiers imprisoned for refusing to fight in Gaza

Four soldiers from “Israel's” Nahal Brigade have been sentenced to military prison after refusing redeployment to the Gaza Strip, citing severe emotional trauma from previous combat tours, a report in Hebrew media said. 

The incident adds to the already intensified concerns about the “Israeli” military's handling of their soldiers' mental health during wartime.

Three of the soldiers from Battalion 931 received sentences ranging from 7 to 12 days in military prison, while a fourth awaits trial, according to Kan News.

All four had served multiple tours in Gaza and informed their commanders they could not return due to profound psychological impact.

Despite their claims of a "deep internal crisis," military mental health officers declared the soldiers mentally fit for combat.

The soldiers asserted their refusal was not fear-driven but stemmed from severe emotional distress. One mother described the lasting impact, saying, "These experiences will be deeply etched in their souls."

The “Israeli” military chose disciplinary action over immediate psychological care, a decision that has caused disappointment among troops according to the report.

An “Israeli” military spokesperson stated the soldiers were fully aware of consequences for disobeying orders and that the matter was handled "sensitively and in accordance with regulations."

This case follows broader criticism regarding military mental health support. In a separate incident, a Kfir Brigade soldier with multiple Gaza tours experienced severe psychological distress and twice threatened suicide.

He was initially denied access to a mental health officer despite repeated requests. His condition improved only after fellow soldiers intervened, threatening to withdraw from combat if he didn't receive help. This led to his referral for treatment and a recommendation for his entire unit to be temporarily removed from Gaza for recovery.