Since Hamas’s massacre on October 7, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported 891 soldier casualties, based on figures made public on Thursday. This marks the army’s highest death toll since the Yom Kippur War.
The 891 casualties consist of those who died during operational activities, accidents, and suspected suicides. In 2023, 558 soldiers lost their lives, with 512 deaths attributed to operational activities, including 329 on October 7 alone. Sixteen soldiers were killed in accidents, such as road and training events, while 17 incidents were investigated as potential suicides. This group of suspected suicides included seven active-duty soldiers, four in regular service, and six reservists.
In 2024, the death toll among soldiers was 363, with 295 fatalities resulting from operational activities and 23 from accidents, primarily related to vehicles. Furthermore, 21 incidents were looked into as suspected suicides, with 12 of them involving reservists.
The IDF pointed out a troubling rise in suicide cases, with counts increasing from 14 in 2022 to 17 in 2023 and 21 in 2024. Most of these cases transpired after the commencement of the war. In response, the IDF set up a 24/7 mental health hotline, which has received over 3,900 calls since it started operating in October 2023. They have also brought on board 800 mental health officers, broadened mental health services, and opened a clinic tailored for active-duty members. Commanders underwent training to recognize signs of distress, and debriefings post-mission were established to enhance soldiers’ mental health.
In a notable judicial ruling, Israel’s High Court of Justice decided in December to permit a military burial in a civilian cemetery for Maj. (res. ) Asaf Dagan, an Israeli Air Force navigator who took his own life in October due to intense post-traumatic stress disorder. Traditionally, military burials in Israel are designated for soldiers who perish in active service. The legal efforts made by Dagan’s family garnered significant public attention.
The conflict has also led to deaths from operational accidents. Sixty soldiers died in Gaza and five in Lebanon due to occurrences such as misfires and equipment malfunctions. The IDF asserted that each case undergoes a thorough investigation, and the results are utilized to enhance safety protocols.
One recent event involved the death of 22-year-old Sgt. -Maj. Yuval Shoham, who was struck by the rotation of a tank turret during an operation in the Jabaliya region of northern Gaza on Tuesday.
The ongoing war signifies the IDF’s highest casualty total since the Yom Kippur War, during which at least 2,500 soldiers were killed across 19 days of combat.
Hamas’s assault on October 7 led to over 1,200 fatalities, with 252 Israelis and foreign nationals taken hostage. Among the remaining 97 hostages, more than 30 individuals have been confirmed dead. In addition, Hamas has been holding two Israeli civilians captive since 2014 and 2015, along with the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
