Tens of thousands of IOF reservists seek psychological treatment: Ynet

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
19 Feb 2025 22:48
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The report highlights that 170,000 Israeli soldiers have enrolled in a program launched by the Security Ministry about a month and a half ago.

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Israeli soldiers gather in northern occupied Palestine after Israeli forces withdrew from border villages in southern Lebanon, on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 (AP)

Tens of thousands of reservists in the Israeli occupation military are increasingly seeking psychological treatment after completing months of military service, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported.

The report highlighted that 170,000 Israeli soldiers have enrolled in a program launched by the Security Ministry about a month and a half ago, noting that the psychological treatment program is witnessing high demand from reservists.

However, the newspaper pointed to a severe shortage of therapists, adding that the so-called "Amit" therapy program, initiated by the Israeli Security Ministry, is struggling to keep up with the growing demand.

In this context, the Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans' website revealed on February 5 that around 10,000 soldiers may be officially recognized as suffering from psychological disabilities, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The website also reported that more than 6,000 new disabled Israeli soldiers have been added to the organization, stating that a total of 14,700 soldiers and security personnel have been wounded since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza and Lebanon.

6 Israeli soldiers commit suicide; thousands seek mental health care

In late November 2024, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that at least six Israeli soldiers had died by suicide in the months prior, reportedly due to severe psychological distress caused by prolonged wars in the Gaza Strip and South Lebanon.

The investigation indicated that the actual number of suicides may be higher, as the Israeli military has not yet released official data despite promising to do so by the year’s end.

The report also pointed to a deeper mental health crisis within the Israeli army, revealing that thousands of soldiers have sought support from military mental health clinics or field psychologists.

According to the report, around a third of soldiers affected reportedly exhibit PTSD symptoms. The investigation further suggested that psychological trauma among soldiers may surpass the number of physical injuries sustained during the war.