Israeli soldiers deny fighting in Gaza citing mental stress: reports

Tel Aviv: Thousands of Israeli soldiers have refused to fight in Gaza as a result of mental pressure after the continuous war. 

According to Israeli media reports, there has been an increase in suicide cases and complaints of mental stress in the Israeli army. 

An Israeli military spokesman said in a statement that thousands of Israeli soldiers have refused to fight in Gaza, soldiers have withdrawn from combat duties due to physical pressure, the number of suicides among soldiers has also increased alarmingly. 

According to Israeli military officials, 21 Israeli soldiers committed suicide in 2024 and 17 in 2023. 

Among those who committed suicide last year were 12 reservists, seven conscripts and two career soldiers. In the past two years, 807 soldiers have been killed in operations against Palestinians. 

It should be noted that every citizen of Israel must serve in the army for two years and in case of war, every Israeli citizen has to go to the front. Under Israeli law, a citizen can be jailed for refusing to fight.