Israeli soldiers returning from Gaza war struggle with trauma, suicide

Israeli soldiers who returned from recent conflicts in Gaza are now struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, in severe cases, suicide, according to testimonies from veterans and their families.

With no official numbers on soldier suicides, several families shared their loved ones’ stories before the Knesset, seeking more support for traumatized veterans.

One such veteran, Eliran Mizrahi, a 40-year-old father of four, served in the Gaza Strip following the massacre on October 7. After witnessing traumatic events, he struggled with PTSD, and his mental health deteriorated. He took his life shortly before he was due to be redeployed.

“He got out of Gaza, but Gaza did not get out of him,” his mother, Jenny Mizrahi, told CNN. His sister Shir described his severe withdrawal and struggles with anger and insomnia, saying he felt no one could understand what he had been through.

Mizrahi operated a D-9 armored bulldozer during his service, often under intense and violent circumstances. His friend and co-driver, Guy Zaken, recounted experiences in which they were ordered to run over both live and dead terrorists, a task that left deep scars.

Zaken shared that he can no longer eat meat, saying, “When you see a lot of meat outside, and blood… both ours and theirs, then it really affects you when you eat.”

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These testimonies are among many shared with the Knesset in June by PTSD survivors and war veterans, highlighting the physical and emotional scars of combat. Veteran Omer Amsalem, who served in a previous operation, pleaded with lawmakers to take action.

“There shouldn’t be any inequality between physical and mental disabilities. I’ve already died once,” he said, urging that veterans like himself shouldn’t have to “come daily, shouting and complaining like garbage.”

Avichai Levy, an IDF veteran, described his dire financial situation and mental health struggles, citing a million-shekel debt and a fear of becoming homeless. He and others expressed anger toward government officials, who, they feel, have overlooked their needs and ignored the calls for mental health assistance.

“How many more like Eliran do you need?” Levy asked during a Knesset session, demanding why those who served are “lying to us” about the support they will receive.

With the expansion of the war now looming on Israel’s northern front, many veterans feel a renewed sense of dread, fearing redeployment.

The IDF reported approximately 760 requests for psychological assistance since the war’s onset, though not all related to PTSD. Some survivors say they are afraid to serve again, expressing a deep mistrust of the government’s support.

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