The IDF is conducting an investigation after a platoon commander allegedly ignored a soldier who attempted to take his own life in front of him, the military confirmed Friday.
The soldier placed the barrel of his rifle in his mouth in front of his commander, Maariv reported. A sergeant, who noticed what was happening, intervened and took the weapon from the soldier’s hands.
The platoon had been engaged in prolonged service in Gaza as part of the Kfir Brigade.
The soldier’s psychological state continued to deteriorate after the incident, and he attempted to take his own life again, according to Maariv. While the commander continued to ignore the situation, the soldiers reported the incidents to the battalion commander inside Gaza.
After the incidents were reported, the platoon left the combat zone and underwent a two-week-long in-depth process with guidance from commanders and mental health professionals, the IDF said. The soldier was released immediately from his service.
During the process, several meetings were arranged with the mental health officer, and the event was personally followed up on by the battalion commander.
Soldiers dispersed throughout the battalion
At the conclusion of the two weeks, the soldiers were dispersed into different sections within the battalion.
Additionally, the command staff attended a professional workshop to better identify and recognize signs of distress, in order to adjust their response to at-risk soldiers.
The military said in January that since the beginning of the war with Hamas, 38 soldiers have taken their own lives.