250 Israeli soldiers discharged from the army due to psychological attacks in the Gaza war
An Israeli website, referring to the intensification of mental problems for occupying soldiers since the beginning of the ground attack on Gaza, has reported the discharge of 250 soldiers due to continuous symptoms of war shock.
During the ongoing war in Gaza and the lack of tangible results for the occupying army on the battlefield, the Israeli soldiers’ mental health has been affected. 76% of these soldiers are receiving field-based mental health treatments. Data shows that nearly 1000 Israeli soldiers, despite initial field treatments, have not improved and require further rehabilitation. The army command is deeply concerned about the increasing number of soldiers suffering from deeper mental problems, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder.
At least 1600 Israeli soldiers have shown symptoms of war shock, including severe heart palpitations, sudden increase in sweating, sudden rise in blood pressure, uncontrollable body tremors, dizziness, and lack of concentration. Long-term psychological effects such as terror, depression, sleep disorders, sudden bursts of anger, and emotional impairment will also affect these soldiers.
The website also states that there is an initial treatment for war shock that can return a soldier to duty and save them from feeling helpless, but it may also intensify the symptoms. However, if it continues for more than four weeks, the soldier may develop a more severe post-traumatic anxiety disorder, requiring deeper therapeutic intervention. Approximately 250 soldiers have been discharged from service due to continuous symptoms of war shock.
Moreover, the data shows that 900 to 1000 soldiers were referred to rehabilitation centers behind the front lines during the war. These are soldiers whose field-based mental health assistance did not improve their condition and need additional treatment. In addition, other soldiers are suffering from similar symptoms, not due to being in the Gaza field, but because of the shock of Hamas’ attack on Israeli army bases on October 7th.