One-third of 'Israeli' soldiers face psychological struggles linked to Gaza genocide: Report

• Psychological cases among 'Israeli' soldiers have risen from 62,000 to 85,000 since the Gaza war began.
• One-third of soldiers face mental health issues linked to combat.
• Military therapists are overburdened, with up to 750 patients per therapist.

The number of 'Israeli' soldiers seeking treatment for psychological disorders has risen sharply since the war on Gaza began two years ago, according to officials from 'Israel’s' Defense Ministry.

Tamar Shimoni, deputy head of the ministry’s Rehabilitation Department, told Army Radio that around 62,000 cases were treated on the evening of October 7, 2023, the day the war erupted. That figure has now climbed to roughly 85,000, a rise Shimoni described as “unprecedented.” She added that one-third of 'Israeli' soldiers now face psychological issues linked to the events of that day.

Shimoni also highlighted the strain on mental health resources, noting that a single therapist currently handles up to 750 patients, and in some regions even more, making timely care difficult.

'Israeli' media have reported worrying trends alongside the rise in psychological cases. In November, Yedioth Ahronoth warned of a “widespread psychological crisis,” citing rising drug addiction and nearly two million people in need of mental health support, including soldiers.

Reports have also pointed to a rise in suicides within the military. Maariv reported that a soldier recently died by suicide after experiencing post-traumatic stress, while a reserve officer from the Givati Brigade also took his life last week after struggling psychologically.

According to 'Israeli' military data released in October, the army recorded 279 suicide attempts over 18 months, resulting in 36 deaths.

The mental health crisis among soldiers comes amid 'Israel’s' ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 70,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,000 others since October 2023.