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Israel Reports Surge in Military PTSD and Suicide Attempts During Prolonged War

Fresh official figures tie the spike to heavy deployments alongside delayed treatment access.

A former soldier being treated for PTSD at the Combat Veterans Psychedelic Research Clinic at Emek Medical Center, stands with his service dog, in Afula, Israel December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Shir Torem
A former soldier being treated for PTSD at the Combat Veterans Psychedelic Research Clinic at Emek Medical Center, embraces his service dog, in Afula, Israel December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Shir Torem
Clinical Psychologist Ronen Sidi, the director of the Combat Veterans Psychedelic Research Clinic at Emek Medical Center, looks on during an interview with Reuters in Afula, Israel December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Shir Torem

Overview

  • Israel’s Defence Ministry says diagnosed PTSD among soldiers has risen nearly 40% since September 2023 and projects an increase of up to 180% by 2028.
  • Of 22,300 troops and personnel being treated for war wounds, 60% are experiencing post‑trauma, according to the ministry.
  • An Israeli parliamentary committee reported 279 soldier suicide attempts from January 2024 to July 2025, with combat troops comprising 78% of suicide cases in 2024.
  • Clinicians cite two main trauma drivers for troops: intense fear in combat and moral injury from actions perceived to have harmed civilians.
  • Trauma professionals describe months‑long assessment waits that deter care, while the ministry says it has expanded services, budgets and immediate support once evaluations begin.