The Israeli military is not providing data on soldiers who have been discharged due to mental health issues, Israeli newspaper Haaretz has reported.

According to the report, 7,241 soldiers and officers were discharged from service for mental health reasons during the first year of the war. The newspaper said it had previously requested full data from the military spokesperson’s unit, but the request was rejected because it must be submitted under "Israel’s" Freedom of Information Law.

Haaretz said the request was filed at the beginning of June last year, but the military has still not responded, noting that public authorities are legally required to respond to such requests within 30 days, with possible extensions of up to 120 days in special circumstances.

The military reportedly said it had received a 30-day extension about a month after the request was submitted, but the data was still not released after that period had elapsed.

Israeli army delays 'unflattering' data

Officers who served in the military’s Human Resources Directorate and spokesperson’s unit told Haaretz that the IOF tend to delay releasing data that is “not flattering” or does not serve their interests.

A reserve officer in the Human Resources Directorate told Haaretz that some officers “manipulate data and percentages” and conceal information that could reflect poorly on the Israeli military, while quickly providing figures when needed to counter media or political claims.

He added that the military “does not want the public to know the extent of soldiers’ psychological distress” and is therefore “trying to downplay the issue.”

indicate a noticeable rise in suicides among Israeli soldiers since the outset of the war on Gaza in October 2023. According to figures cited in local reporting, numerous cases have been recorded over the past two years, with military sources acknowledging that the trend reflects a significant increase compared to pre-war levels.

The Jerusalem Post reported that 22 active-duty soldiers died by suicide in 2025 alone, describing it as the highest figure in around 15 years. Military officials, as cited in Israeli media, have linked the rise to prolonged combat exposure, psychological distress from battlefield conditions, and the strain of extended military service.

Israeli media outlets have also highlighted growing concern within the army over the mental health of both reservists and active-duty personnel. Reports point to increasing cases of post-traumatic stress and acute psychological distress, with some soldiers reportedly unable to return to combat roles after deployment in Gaza and surrounding areas.

Despite expanded mental health support systems, including the scaling up of psychological services and treatment facilities, Israeli media reports suggest that the scale of distress has continued to grow. Military sources have acknowledged ongoing challenges in addressing the issue, warning that the psychological impact of the war may persist long after active fighting ends.

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