In an unprecedented revelation, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that 170,000 Israeli soldiers, including 4,000 reservists, have enrolled in psychological treatment programs launched by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. This development comes amid a sharp rise in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among soldiers returning from combat, particularly after the recent Gaza war. The situation raises serious questions about the psychological impact of war on the Israeli army and its future operational readiness.
“Amit” Program: An Attempt to Contain the Crisis
The Israeli Ministry of Defense launched the “Amit” program to provide psychological support for returning soldiers. The program aims to:
- Offer individual and group therapy sessions for soldiers suffering from PTSD.
- Provide workshops and psychological rehabilitation to help soldiers reintegrate into civilian life.
- Equip soldiers with self-help tools to cope with mental health challenges.
However, despite its importance, the program is under severe strain due to overwhelming demand. A shortage of mental health professionals has led to delays in treatment, leaving many soldiers without the support they need.
Why Are PTSD Cases Rising?
The dramatic increase in the number of soldiers seeking psychological treatment can be attributed to several key factors:
1. The Nature of the War in Gaza
- Urban warfare in Gaza exposed soldiers to intense combat scenarios and direct confrontations with Palestinian resistance groups.
- The frequency of ambushes and surprise attacks led to significant casualties among Israeli troops.
2. Extended Military Service
- Some reservists served for up to 250 consecutive days, leading to extreme psychological and emotional exhaustion.
3. Lack of Confidence in Military Leadership
- Recent military failures have increased feelings of frustration and fear among soldiers.
- Watching fellow soldiers die in battle without being able to help them has caused severe psychological distress.
4. Intelligence and Tactical Failures
- The unexpected strength of Palestinian resistance in certain engagements heightened feelings of failure and trauma among Israeli soldiers.
How This Crisis Affects the Israeli Army
The mental health crisis within the Israeli army could have long-term consequences on its combat readiness:
- Low morale among soldiers may lead to reduced operational effectiveness.
- The army faces challenges in recruiting and training new troops, especially if mental health concerns persist.
- Public trust in the Israeli military may decline if the crisis continues without effective solutions.
Government Efforts to Address the Issue
In response to the crisis, the Israeli government has implemented several measures to improve mental health services for soldiers:
- 150 new psychologists have been recruited to meet growing demand.
- Online therapy programs are being developed to provide remote support.
- Group therapy sessions have been introduced to alleviate pressure on individual therapy services.
However, despite these efforts, the demand for psychological treatment continues to outpace the available resources, highlighting the severity of the mental health crisis within the army.
Testimonies from Reservists
Some reservists who attempted to enroll in the treatment program expressed frustration over long waiting times and lack of immediate support:
- “Meir” (52 years old): Served in the reserves for 250 days and expressed concern about whether he is suffering from PTSD. He registered for treatment but has yet to receive any response.
- Another reservist (40 years old): Reported that after submitting his application for treatment, no one contacted him, leaving him feeling abandoned by the system.
Is the Israeli Army No Longer Prepared for Future Wars?
With an increasing number of soldiers mentally unfit for combat, serious concerns arise regarding the Israeli army’s future capabilities:
- Can an army struggling with severe psychological distress maintain its combat efficiency?
- Will this crisis lead to higher rates of draft evasion and a decrease in voluntary enlistment?
- Does this mental health epidemic indicate a deeper military failure that Israel has yet to acknowledge?
Israel appears to be facing a mental health crisis within its military, where warfare is no longer just about physical battles but also about a long-lasting psychological war affecting its soldiers.
If this crisis remains unaddressed, it could weaken the long-term stability and effectiveness of the Israeli military. As the number of affected soldiers continues to rise, it will become increasingly difficult for Israel to hide the extent of the psychological damage within its armed forces.
Is this crisis merely a temporary challenge, or could it be a turning point signaling the decline of Israel’s military dominance? Time will tell.
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