According to an extensive investigation by Haaretz journalist Tom Levinson, sources within the IDF's Manpower Directorate estimate thousands of regular-service combat soldiers have discontinued service since the war began, with numbers continuously rising. Some soldiers were discharged entirely due to mental health issues, while others transferred to non-combat support roles.
One Nahal Brigade soldier, identified as "Yoni," described accidentally killing two children aged 8-10 in Beit Lahia after mistakenly identifying them as terrorists. "There was blood everywhere, lots of signs of gunfire, I knew it was all on me," he told Haaretz. His commander allegedly dismissed the incident, stating the children had "entered an extermination zone."
Another soldier, a sniper identified as "Benny," reported being ordered to shoot civilians approaching humanitarian aid lines daily. "I fire 50-60 bullets every day, I've stopped counting kills," he stated, describing severe psychological effects, including nightmares and involuntary urination.
The investigation reveals that the IDF lacks uniform policies for handling soldiers who request transfers from combat roles. While some commanders accommodate requests, others reportedly threaten imprisonment. At least 23 regular-service soldiers have been sentenced for refusing to deploy to Gaza.
The military has declined to provide official data on mental health discharges or suicide attempts among troops. One combat engineering officer reportedly committed suicide using a fragmentation grenade in southern Gaza last July.
Mental health professionals describe the situation as creating "moral injury" – a condition where soldiers act against their own values, causing severe psychological dissonance that may have lasting effects on Israel's military personnel.