Overview

• Captain Yosef Chaim Ashraf, 28, a 99th Reserve Division officer serving on active duty, was found dead in the Switzerland Forest near Ramat Poria and will be recognized as a fallen IDF soldier.
• The IDF said its Military Police Investigations Unit has launched an inquiry into his death, with findings to be reviewed by the Military Advocate General’s Office.
• Ashraf’s death marks the 17th apparent suicide among IDF personnel this year and contributes to a total of 54 since early 2023.
• Interim figures released after months of withholding have sparked debates in Knesset subcommittees over the need for more detailed reporting on service and post-service suicides.
• Veterans and bereaved families disrupted National Security Committee meetings to demand a dedicated oversight panel, stronger prevention measures and full transparency from the military.