Israeli soldiers are increasingly unwilling to continue fighting the ongoing war in Gaza, with many citing exhaustion and psychological trauma from the prolonged conflict.
Over a year after the October 7, the war has claimed more than 40,000 Palestinian lives and left Israel grappling with a fatigued military force.
Reports reveal that many Israeli soldiers have sought psychological counseling for battle fatigue and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Some troops have tragically died by suicide, unable to cope with the mental strain of the conflict. Reservists, who form the backbone of Israel’s wartime forces, are also showing resistance.
Many have refused to return to duty, with some units seeing significant attrition; one unit of 12 now has only five active members, according to reports added.
Recruitment has fallen by 15% since the war began, and fears of life loss and mental trauma are deterring many from continuing.
Despite mandatory service requirements, reservists and active-duty troops alike are expressing reluctance, highlighting the strain on Israel’s military infrastructure.
While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continue operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, reports of troop shortages and stress-related complaints underscore the challenges of sustaining prolonged military campaigns.