Israel
IDF sets up committee on mental health support following suicides of ex-soldiers
‘He lost his soul in military service’, said Sigal Edri, whose son Daniel took his own life last month after suffering from PTSD
August 1, 2025 10:24
‘He lost his soul in military service’, said Sigal Edri, whose son Daniel took his own life last month after suffering from PTSD
August 1, 2025 10:24The IDF has announced the creation of a new committee to examine the mental health support provided to former soldiers who have taken their own lives in recent years.
Since the start of the Gaza War, there have been a number of instances of suicide among discharged veterans, with many of their families calling for them to be recognised as fallen soldiers.
As a result, IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has ordered an investigation into the military's support services.
An IDF spokesperson said: "The committee members will include medical and mental health professionals from the IDF, legal experts, officers from the Casualty Affairs Unit, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Families, Commemoration, and Heritage.
"The committee will examine systemic, ethical, and socio-national aspects related to the challenges faced by IDF service members after their discharge, including the issue of recognition and support for these individuals - along with the legal implications regarding their official recognition."
The panel will be chaired by the former head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, Major General (reserve) Moti Almoz and will produce recommendations on how to better support former soldiers.
Major General Dado Bar Kalifa, Almoz’ successor at the directorate, added: "The IDF has a moral and national responsibility to stand by those who paid a heavy price during their military service, even after they remove the uniform.
"The establishment of the committee is meant to ensure that the State of Israel and the IDF provide an appropriate, sensitive, and equitable response to every male and female soldier, at every stage of their lives. I want to send a warm embrace to the families who have lost their loved ones.
"We will use every tool at our disposal to help, strengthen resilience, acknowledge their pain, and ensure that no one is left behind."
The announcement comes after several high-profile cases in which former soldiers have taken their own lives.
In 2023, 33-year-old reservist Bar Kalaf self-immolated after failing to secure a disability allowance for his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
And last month, Daniel Edri, who served in both Gaza and Lebanon, took his own life after being stricken with the same condition.
His mother, Sigal, told Ynet: “He lost his soul in military service.
"I could see it coming the whole time, and I feared it. We were always worried about him.”
If you or anyone you know needs mental health support, please contact:
Samaritans: Freephone 116 123 (24 hours)
Under 35s can contact Papyrus Hopeline247:
Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 88247
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