earlier this month, the idf reported the highest suicide rate in decades among its ranks amid the ongoing war and the mass call-up of reservists, with 28 soldiers believed to have died by suicide between the hamas onslaught and the end of 2024. this is compared to 14 suspected suicides in 2022 and 11 in 2021. but haaretz said this is likely an undercount. it said several deaths are still being investigated and may be ruled a suicide, adding that the militarys count only includes cases that happened while in active duty. the outlet said nine former soldiers whose families said suffered from mental issues linked to their army service took their own lives in 2024, compared to four in 2023. the idf commented on haaretzs report, saying it is committed to giving its servicemembers mental treatment and views this as very important. if such treatment isnt given, this is grave and contrary to orders, it said. the incidents described in detail in the report were checked and dealt with. if more cases are presented, they will be dealt with accordingly. it said the armys units have been undergoing regular processing sessions, including before soldiers end of service, and that commanders are trained to identify signs of mental distress. it noted that its medical corps has a 24/7 hotline at *6690, extension 3.
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