Israeli media reported on Thursday the discovery of a dead reserve soldier in the illegal settlement neighborhood of Har Homa in occupied al-Quds. The incident comes amid a spike in suicides among Israeli occupation soldiers since the beginning of the war on Gaza in October 2023.
According to Haaretz, the number of suicides in the Israeli occupation forces has risen to unprecedented levels since the war began.
The report revealed that between October 7 and the end of 2023, seven soldiers took their own lives, while 21 suicides were recorded in 2024. Since the start of 2025, approximately 14 soldiers have reportedly died by suicide.
Occupation forces withholding full figures
Despite the rising trend, the Israeli occupation forces has refused to disclose the official number of suicides for the current year, stating it will release a full report only at the end of 2025.
The secrecy has raised questions about transparency within the military command, particularly as psychological trauma among troops continues to escalate.
Over the weekend, another occupation soldier reportedly took his own life after suffering from severe psychological distress following his deployment in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
The war’s mental health toll has become a critical issue for the Israeli regime, especially as reports indicate a severe manpower shortage in the ranks.
PTSD-affected soldiers recalled for service
As reported by Haaretz, the Israeli military has begun enlisting reservists suffering from trauma and other psychological conditions, even if they are currently undergoing treatment.
One commander told the newspaper, “Because our soldiers are not committed to fighting, we are forced to recruit individuals who are not in a stable mental state,” adding, “We fight with what we have, even if we are certain their psychological conditions are unstable.”
According to Haaretz, two recently recalled soldiers committed suicide, further intensifying scrutiny of the military’s handling of mental health issues.
The total number of Israeli soldier suicides since October 7, 2023, has reportedly reached at least 35 by the end of 2024. Informed sources noted that the military has buried several soldiers who died by suicide without holding military funerals or issuing official statements.
Compliance rates inflated, say Israeli officers
One officer told Haaretz that the military has recently resorted to pressuring soldiers to engage in combat but is facing difficulties in mobilizing them for service.
The report also revealed manipulation in the published compliance rates, with both officers and soldiers confirming that the official figures do not accurately represent the true level of participation among reservists.
Security sources stressed to the newspaper that the Israeli military needs to increase its troop numbers fourfold in order to control key points in the Gaza Strip, amid mounting security challenges.
AL MAYADEEN, 10.7.2025
