(MENAFN) At least five Israeli soldiers, including both conscripts and reservists recently discharged from combat zones, have died by suicide in the past two weeks, according to reports. These incidents add to a growing mental health crisis within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) since the military’s deployment to Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Suicides among IDF personnel have sharply increased. By the end of 2023, seven soldiers had taken their own lives, followed by 21 confirmed cases in 2024, and at least 20 so far this year. The latest case, confirmed on Sunday, involved a 19-year-old Norwegian immigrant who had joined the IDF less than a year ago and was still in training. Other recent cases include a Golani Brigade soldier who shot himself at the Sde Teiman base and reservist Daniel Edri, who self-immolated after being diagnosed with PTSD.

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Military officials have largely attributed these tragedies to the psychological toll of prolonged combat, rather than personal or familial factors. Opposition leader Yair Lapid remarked, “This war also kills souls,” acknowledging the heavy mental burden on troops.

The IDF has admitted that thousands of reservists have been pulled from combat due to psychological distress. However, reports suggest the true number of suicides related to military service could be higher, with Haaretz noting at least 12 non-combat veterans whose deaths were excluded from official figures in recent years.

Now entering its 21st month, the Gaza war has placed severe pressure on Israeli forces amid sustained combat operations and casualties. Official figures state that 893 soldiers have been killed since the operation began, along with nearly 1,200 civilians during the initial October 7 Hamas attack. Gaza health officials report close to 59,000 Palestinian fatalities.

Beyond Gaza, Israel has expanded military operations across the region, including strikes and deployments in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and the West Bank, as well as attacks on Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said Israel is engaged on seven fronts “to defend ourselves against barbarism.”

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