State of trauma: Israel wrestles with mental aftershocks of war

After more than two years of relentless bombardment and war – from Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the Hamas-led assault on southern villages in October 2023 that preceded it, to the country’s successive wars and strikes on Iran , Lebanon , Syria and other neighbouring states – analysts, observers, and numerous studies from within Israel have concluded that the country has become moulded by trauma. A recent survey by Maccabi Healthcare Services found that about one-third of Israelis believe they need professional mental health support. Among those who have served in the army, as either conscripts or reservists, the picture is even starker. In January, Israel’s Defence Ministry reported a near-40 percent rise in the number of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) cases among its soldiers since September 2023, with a 180 percent increase expected by 2028. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list The government has not published the number of soldiers discharged due to mental health over the same period, despite a legal obligation to do so, Israeli media has reported. Earlier this month, Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic service, launched a dedicated mental health emergency service after registering a 45 percent spike in the number of calls it was receiving. The majority, it said, were linked to the continued strain of the country’s multiple wars. …