Israel is facing a growing mental health crisis as years of continuous conflict leave deep psychological scars across society, according to recent studies, medical officials and analysts.
New data from healthcare providers and government agencies point to rising cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicide and social violence following the wars and military operations that have continued since October 2023.
A survey conducted by Maccabi Healthcare Services found that nearly one in three Israelis believe they now require professional mental health support. Among soldiers and reservists, the situation appears even more severe, with Israel’s Defence Ministry reporting a sharp increase in PTSD-related cases since the Gaza war began.
Emergency medical service Magen David Adom also recently launched a dedicated mental health response unit after recording a major rise in distress-related calls linked to the prolonged conflicts.
Reports in Israeli media indicate that military suicides have increased significantly, with many cases connected to combat deployments in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon.
Beyond the military, social tensions within Israel have also intensified. Analysts say incidents of domestic violence, stress disorders and aggressive behaviour have risen alongside political and societal divisions.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog recently warned against what he described as the “brutalisation” of society, expressing concern over increasing violence and extremist behaviour within parts of the country.
Mental health experts say the October 7 attacks and the wars that followed shattered many Israelis’ sense of security and trust in state institutions.
“People have lost confidence in their government and social systems,” said Israeli therapist and combat veteran Tuly Flint, who noted that many citizens now feel emotionally exhausted and traumatised by years of instability.
Some researchers argue that the psychological impact of conflict is also reshaping political attitudes, especially among younger Israelis, with surveys suggesting growing support for more hardline and nationalist positions.
Sociologists and historians, however, note that violence and insecurity have long shaped Israeli society, with recent events intensifying existing tensions rather than creating entirely new ones.
Experts warn that the long-term effects of collective trauma may continue to influence Israeli politics, social relations and regional tensions for years to come.
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