Surging Soldier Suicides Raise Alarms in Israel Amid Ongoing Conflict
The Israeli military is investigating a rise in soldier suicides, with six cases this month. Mental health experts express growing concern over psychological impacts of ongoing conflict. The death of reservist Ariel Meir Taman underscores challenges faced by soldiers, as 21 suicides were reported in early 2024 alone.
- Country:
- Israel
Tel Aviv, July 28 (ANI/TPS): In a troubling trend, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirm the death of reservist Ariel Meir Taman in a suspected suicide in Ofakim. Taman was part of a unit tasked with identifying fallen soldiers during the Gaza conflict, a role fraught with psychological stress.
Amidst a rising number of suicides among IDF soldiers, the Military Police's Criminal Investigation Division has launched a probe, with results pending review by the Military Advocate General. Taman's passing marks the sixth soldier suicide this month, raising alarms among mental health professionals.
The recent spike in suicides, including that of 19-year-old Dan Mandel Philipson, a lone soldier from Norway, highlights a growing mental health crisis in the military, exacerbated by war-related trauma. Mental health experts warn of long-term effects on reservists, who return to civilian life facing lingering trauma and inadequate support.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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