Since the onset of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have been grappling with an alarming rise in psychological strain, trauma, and suicides among personnel. According to the latest reports, a soldier stationed at a northern military base has taken his own life, marking the 61st suicide among Israeli soldiers since the Gaza conflict began. This trend has triggered profound concern within the nation’s security establishment regarding the mental wellbeing of its troops.
The influential Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the deceased soldier was actively serving and held the role of a ‘tracker’. On Tuesday, he was found critically injured by gunfire at his base in northern Israel and was rushed to hospital, where medical staff later confirmed his death. Although initial indications suggest suicide, the IDF has launched an official investigation to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
Earlier statements from the military had noted that a soldier at the northern base was seriously wounded by gunfire, and subsequent hospitalisation led to his passing. While the term “suicide” was not formally used in initial reports, the event has renewed debate over mental health challenges within the armed forces.
Experts emphasise that prolonged exposure to the pressures of warfare, traumatic experiences on the battlefield, and the relentless burden of operational responsibilities are taking a severe toll on soldiers’ psychological health. A report from the Israeli parliament’s oversight body, Neset, revealed that between January 2024 and July 2025, 279 IDF members had attempted suicide, with an average of one in every seven attempts proving fatal.
These figures have sparked strong reactions across Israeli society. Human rights organisations and mental health professionals have highlighted the lack of adequate psychological support within the military. They stress that continuous counselling, mental health rehabilitation, and effective stress management are vital for soldiers who serve under high-pressure combat conditions.
Following the latest suicide, discourse around the IDF’s approach to mental health has intensified. Former soldiers and experts alike insist that while operational success in conflict zones is critical, equal attention must be paid to the emotional and psychological welfare of personnel. Failure to do so, they warn, may result in further tragic incidents.
Amid international scrutiny over Israel’s Gaza operations, the rising tide of suicides within its military raises pressing questions about the human cost of warfare and the imperative of prioritising soldier wellbeing alongside battlefield objectives.