Trauma of War: Israel Battles Mental Health Crisis Among Soldiers

Two years of fighting in Gaza have pushed thousands of Israeli soldiers to the brink, leaving them grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health challenges. As of November 2025, the country is in the midst of a mental health crisis, with suicides among the troops on the rise.

In response, the Israeli military is racing to expand its mental health services, but experts warn that the country is still not equipped to handle the scale of the problem. Grassroots organizations and individuals have stepped in to fill the gaps, offering therapy programs and animal-assisted rehabilitation farms like Back2Life in Sdot Yam kibbutz, where former fighters can find brief moments of calm among rescue animals.

The ongoing conflict has taken a devastating toll on the well-being of Israel's soldiers, and the nation is now facing the daunting task of supporting those who have sacrificed so much in the line of duty. As the military and community groups work to address this crisis, the hope is that the brave men and women who have served their country can find the healing and support they so desperately need.