One in eight IDF combat soldiers suffers from PTSD

The IDF offers a comprehensive array of treatments and support programs for soldiers suffering from PTSD, reflecting both immediate intervention and long-term care.

By Hezy Laing, World Israel News

Since the start of the war against Hamas in Gaza on October 7, 2023, PTSD has become an increasingly common issue among IDF soldiers.

Recent research from Tel Aviv University indicates that approximately 12% — about one in eight — of IDF soldiers who served in Gaza reported experiencing multiple symptoms of PTSD consistent with a clinical diagnosis.

This marks an increase compared to pre-war rates, when about 8% of soldiers reported such symptoms.

Nearly half of the 16,500 injured soldiers processed by the Rehabilitation Department since the war began are being treated for PTSD.

In total, more than 17,000 new patients are receiving care for psychological injuries stemming from the current conflict, with around 9,000 of them diagnosed with PTSD or related conditions.

The IDF offers a comprehensive array of treatments and support programs for soldiers suffering from PTSD, reflecting both immediate intervention and long-term care.

Immediate efforts include programs such as “The Villa” — an intensive, one-day retreat for recently discharged reservists aimed at preventing the development of chronic PTSD.

Meanwhile, specialized treatment centers across Israel provide a range of therapeutic options, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) and art therapy.

A large-scale study of Israeli military veterans treated for PTSD revealed a remission rate of approximately 40%, meaning four in ten no longer met the diagnostic criteria after completing treatment.

However, dropout rates remain a concern: about 25% of veterans who began treatment did not complete it.

At enlistment, fewer than 0.5% of recruits present with preexisting PTSD.

After 15 months of service — including combat training and operational activity — this rises to 2.6%. By the end of mandatory service, the rate climbs to 4.4%.

Six months post-discharge, nearly 8% of soldiers report multiple PTSD symptoms. Since the outbreak of the current war, that figure has increased to approximately 12%.