Trigger warning: This article discusses sensitive topics such as suicide.
Military Police have launched an investigation after authorities found an IDF soldier's lifeless body on an IDF base in northern Israel, a military spokesperson said Monday.
The incident is being reported as a suspected suicide, and all findings will be forwarded to the Military Advocate General for examination.
The soldier was a soldier in the Golani Brigade, according to KAN News.
A notification has been sent to his family.
Mental health issues among IDF soldiers
More than 1,100 Israel Defense Forces personnel have been discharged from service due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since the outbreak of the war in October, according to military figures obtained by Walla.
The data show that 1,135 active-duty soldiers, reservists, and career service members were removed from combat, support, and rear-line positions between October and July due to combat-related psychological trauma.
With preparations underway for a major ground maneuver into Gaza City and the continued mobilization of reservists, IDF commanders are warning of a worsening mental health toll on troops.
In response, the IDF’s Medical Corps and the Technology and Logistics Directorate have introduced expanded psychological services. Defense Minister Israel Katz was presented with data indicating that around 85% of soldiers treated early for acute stress symptoms by combat stress teams were able to return to duty.
“One of the most difficult issues around PTSD is shame,” said a reservist officer who has served in multiple rounds of fighting since October 7. “Fighters and commanders experience symptoms to varying degrees, but they’re afraid to seek help, afraid of documentation that could hurt them later.”
This is a developing story.