New fronts of war, rising suicide cases, and worried Netanyahu government

In the year 2024, Israel seems to be completely surrounded by war. Since the devastating attack by Hamas in October 2023, Israel has been opening a front against the enemies one after another. Gaza, Lebanon, and now Yemen’s Houthi rebels, these three fronts have pushed Israel deeper into the conflict. These battles have left a deep mark on the mentality of the Israeli army (IDF) and the number of suicide cases.

War on three fronts and challenges of soldiers

• Fighting in Gaza against Hamas: The conflict that started with the Hamas attack in October 2023 is still going on.
• Threat from Lebanon: Continued attacks on northern Israel and fighting inside Lebanon have increased tensions.
• Yemen’s Houthi rebels: With the new year, Houthi rebels have opened a front against Israel.

The ongoing war on three fronts has not only challenged the physical capabilities of the soldiers but has also severely affected their mental condition.

Increasing number of suicides in IDF

Israeli military figures show a worrying increase in suicide cases during the war:

• 2023 and 2024: A total of 38 soldiers committed suicide.
• After October 7, 2023: 28 cases of suicides were reported.
• 2022: 14 suicides.
• 2021: 11 suicides.

The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) has taken steps to prevent these incidents, but the increasing stress of war is taking a toll on the soldiers.

Data of soldiers’ deaths: huge losses in war

Israel has suffered heavy losses in several wars so far in 2024:

• 7 October 2023: 329 soldiers killed in Hamas attack.
• Gaza battle: 390 soldiers killed.
• Lebanon: 50 soldiers.
• Attacks on northern Israel: 37 soldiers.
• West Bank: 11 soldiers.

Overall, 891 soldiers have died since the beginning of the war.

Netanyahu government’s concerns and efforts

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a serious view of suicide in the army and the mental condition of soldiers.

1. 24/7 helpline service: Established in October 2023, more than 3900 calls have been received so far through this service.
2. Psychological Counselling:
   • A team of more than 800 doctors and counselors has been formed.
   • Continuous support is being given to the soldiers to improve their mental condition.
3. Efforts to prevent suicide:
   • Special sessions are being organized for counseling of soldiers.
   • Special attention is being given to reserve soldiers and recruited soldiers.

Soldiers’ suicide: The reason behind the deepening crisis

• War Stress: Soldiers are feeling mentally tired in the environment of continuous operations and war.
• Distance from family: Long periods of time away from family and the uncertainty of war have had a negative impact on the mental state of soldiers.
• Hamas attack: The attack of 7 October 2023 not only shocked the soldiers, but also led to an increase in suicide cases.

IDF assessment and future plans

The IDF has acknowledged that the increase in the number of suicides has impacted the efficiency of the military.

• Total deaths in 2023:
  • In operational activities: 295.
  • In terrorist attacks: 11.
  • In accidents: 23.
  • From diseases: 13.

The IDF says they are working on long-term plans to prevent suicide cases.