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An internal investigation by the Israeli military has concluded that a significant rise in soldier suicides this year is closely tied to the psychological trauma and extreme conditions endured during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to a report by Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, on Sunday.
The probe revealed that 16 Israeli soldiers have taken their own lives since the beginning of 2025. Each case was carefully reviewed, including analysis of farewell letters and testimonies from friends and family.
The investigation found that prolonged combat, the distress of witnessing battlefield horrors, and the emotional strain of losing fellow soldiers were key factors driving the suicides.
“Most of these suicides result from the complex and harsh realities of the war in Gaza. War comes at a cost,” a senior military source told KAN.
For comparison, 17 soldiers died by suicide in 2023 and 21 in 2024, according to the broadcaster.
The mental health impact of the Israeli bombardment is stark: approximately 3,770 soldiers have been formally diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the destruction and killings of Palestinians began. Of the 19,000 troops reportedly wounded during the war, nearly 10,000 are now under the care of the Defence Ministry’s rehabilitation unit for psychological support.
Despite widespread international pressure for a ceasefire, Israel’s destruction in Gaza has persisted since it began on October 7, 2023. Over 60,400 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
