Israeli media have reported a surge in mental health disorder among settlers and soldiers following Operation Al-Aqsa Storm by the Palestinian resistance fighters.
The media quoted Israel’s “emotional first aid service,” which announced there was a spike in demand for psychological treatment among Israelis. The figure has reached 100,000, it said.
Also, Israeli newspaper Maariv said the requests were recorded for various categories and age groups.
Similarly, a recent report by Bloomberg revealed the rapidly increasing number of injuries among Israeli soldiers generates “invisible costs” for the campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The chief of the Disabled Veterans Organization, Edan Kleiman, recently said the number of injuries would probably reach 20,000 if traumatized soldiers are counted. Kleiman said this marks the first time Israeli ranks witnessed such a high number of injuries that must be rehabilitated.
On December 27, 2023, an Israeli soldier who had recently returned from Gaza experienced a night terror episode and reportedly fired his rifle, injuring fellow soldiers in the same room.
Reports of psychological breakdowns among Israelis have been on the rise in the past few months.
The centers dealing with mental health issues are reportedly experiencing a psychological crisis. Such disorders will be long-term for Israelis.
A recent poll conducted by Gallup showed the “mental health of Israelis is worse than ever” in the wake of Al-Aqsa Storm.
The figures showed record-high majorities of Israelis now say they experienced worry, stress, and sadness during much of the previous months. More than a third also report experiencing a lot of anger.
Israel currently holds a record number of 47 in the Gallup index of negative experiences.
