On January 27, Bloomberg reported that the Gaza conflict has sparked a surge in mental health disorders among Israeli military personnel. The publication stated thousands of Israelis are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following Hamas’ October 2023 attack and the subsequent two-year war, which experts describe as the largest mental health crisis in the country’s history.
Experts warn this mental health emergency is already imposing significant economic costs on Israel. The nation is projected to lose approximately $160 billion over the next five years due to the crisis. Even if a current truce holds, the number of individuals affected—including survivors of the Hamas attack, rescuers, and soldiers engaged in Gaza—will continue to rise, leaving an indelible mark on Israeli society for decades.
According to mental health organizations in Israel, depression and anxiety levels have reached record highs alongside the PTSD crisis. The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s rehabilitation department currently treats 32,000 military personnel with mental health conditions and post-traumatic stress disorder, including around 13,000 individuals over the past two years. By its forecast, this number is expected to climb to 50,000 by 2028.
