Israel Reports Rising War-Related Mental Health Strain

Israel is reporting a sharp rise in mental health needs after more than two years of conflict following the October 2023 Hamas assault and subsequent military operations. Health providers and government agencies say demand for psychological support has spread across society, with military personnel among the hardest hit. Recent surveys and service data point to more people seeking help for trauma, depression and acute stress.

Maccabi Healthcare Services said a recent survey found about one-third of Israelis believe they need professional mental health support. The Ministry of Defense reported in January that the number of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among soldiers has risen by nearly 40% since September 2023. It also projected a 180% increase by 2028.

Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic service, said it launched a dedicated mental health emergency service earlier this month after registering a 45% spike in calls. The majority of those calls, it said, were linked to the continued strain of the country’s multiple wars.

Military and public-health indicators

Suicides have increased across society, with a particularly acute rise in the military, according to figures cited in the source article. It said 78% of military suicides in 2024 were linked to combat operations in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon.

Incidents of domestic violence, as well as conditions including depression and stress, have also increased since October 2023, according to the source. The article did not provide nationwide totals, but described the trend as a broad rise in reported harm and psychological strain.

Herzog warns of social brutalisation

Israeli President Isaac Herzog addressed the wider social impact in late May, warning of what he called a “terrible process of brutalisation” in Israeli society. Speaking at an awards ceremony, he cited an increase in violence, including attacks by settlers against Palestinians and violence targeting Christians.

Herzog said the trend was “slow and disturbing” and warned it could move into the mainstream. He said officials would not allow it to do so, framing the issue as a challenge to social cohesion alongside the continued pressures of war.

Officials and service providers are expected to keep expanding mental health capacity as the conflict continues and agencies monitor how demand for treatment evolves among civilians and veterans.