Tel Aviv, Oct 22 (V7N) — Eliran Mizrahi, a 40-year-old father of four and a former Israeli soldier, tragically committed suicide after battling severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his deployment in Gaza. Eliran was part of the Israeli military sent to fight in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which left 1,200 people dead in Israel. Though physically wounded in combat and later discharged for treatment, the emotional scars of war proved fatal.

After returning from Gaza, where he served for 186 days, Eliran was haunted by the horrors he witnessed, leading to severe psychological distress. Despite undergoing weekly therapy for PTSD, his condition deteriorated, culminating in his suicide just days before he was scheduled to be redeployed to Gaza.

Eliran’s mother, Jenny Mizrahi, told CNN that while her son left Gaza, "Gaza didn’t leave him." She described how the trauma he experienced led to sleepless nights, anger, and overwhelming emotional turmoil. "He saw many people die. Maybe killed someone. We do not teach children to do these things," she added, underscoring the mental shock Eliran endured.

Eliran’s sister Shir explained that he often told his family, "No one will understand what I have seen," emphasizing the isolation he felt due to the emotional weight of his experiences.

Eliran's friend, Gui Zaken, who also drove bulldozers in Gaza, shared similar struggles. He revealed that he can no longer eat meat, as the bodies he saw in Gaza now seem like "meat" to him, causing him to relive the trauma with every meal. The sounds of explosions still echo in his mind, further disrupting his daily life.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), many soldiers face a moral dilemma when dealing with civilians in Gaza, given the widespread belief that some civilians assist Hamas. This has fostered distrust among troops, adding to the psychological burden of combat.

The Gaza conflict has left thousands of Israeli soldiers grappling with mental health issues. A report from Israel’s Ministry of Defense in August revealed that 35 percent of wounded soldiers returning from Gaza experience mental health complications . By the end of 2024, it is estimated that over 14,000 soldiers will be treated, with 40 percent expected to face significant psychological challenges.

Mental health experts warn that the impact of war on soldiers is often long-lasting. Aharon Bergman, a political scientist at King’s College London and former IDF soldier, pointed out that this war, fought in densely populated urban areas, exposes soldiers to civilian casualties, particularly women and children. “How are you going to put your children to sleep after seeing children being killed in Gaza?” Bergman asked.

While the Israeli government has attempted to downplay the rate of military suicides, reports indicate that at least 10 Israeli soldiers committed suicide between October 2023 and May 2024 , with PTSD being a leading cause. This aligns with broader statistics showing that suicide is the leading cause of death among Israeli soldiers, with 11 suicides recorded in 2021 alone.

Eliran Mizrahi’s suicide has sent shockwaves through his community and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for Israeli soldiers, particularly those returning from the trauma of war. As the conflict continues, the psychological toll on those serving in Gaza—and potentially Lebanon—remains a grave concern.

END/RH/AJ