2026 sees rise in 'Israeli' military suicides, with at least 10 cases reported

• Mounting suicides in 'Israeli' military point to deepening mental health crisis.

At least 10 active-duty 'Israeli' soldiers have died by suicide since the start of this year, including six cases reported this month, according to data cited by Haaretz.

Three additional reservists who served during the war with Iran also took their own lives this month while no longer on active duty, alongside two police officers, including a Border Police conscript.

The figures point to a continued rise in suicides within 'Israel’s' security forces, a trend that began after the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023. Military sources acknowledge difficulty in effectively addressing the issue, particularly when soldiers experiencing psychological distress do not seek help.

A senior official in the military’s personnel directorate recently admitted that early confidence in managing the situation proved misplaced, saying the crisis had “exploded in our faces.” Some officers attributed the recent spike to memorial events and heightened public focus on loss and grief.

Mental health experts say there was no comparable increase in suicides during similar periods in previous years, suggesting the ongoing war and sustained pressure on a relatively small pool of service members may be key factors. Critics also point to a decline in mental health support services, including the cancellation earlier this year of therapy sessions for reservists transitioning back to civilian life, though some have since been partially reinstated.

Reports indicate that some soldiers were discharged without meeting mental health professionals, while others described reduced field presence of psychological support teams. Testimonies also suggest that, in certain cases, commanders discouraged or blocked access to care due to manpower shortages or outdated attitudes toward mental health.

Data shows that annual military suicides averaged about 12 cases in the decade prior to October 2023. Since then, the numbers have risen, with 21 cases recorded in 2024 and 22 in 2025, the highest in 15 years. The military has also acknowledged cases involving former soldiers who died by suicide after leaving service, though such figures remain only partially disclosed.

The 'Israeli' military said in response that it considers the mental health of its personnel a core responsibility and has expanded support systems during the war, including deploying hundreds of professionals and providing treatment to tens of thousands of soldiers.