Israeli soldier found dead as military investigates death amid concerns over rising suicides

The body of an Israeli soldier was found in central Israel last week, with military police investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, according to Israeli media reports.

The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday that the soldier’s body was discovered on Friday but did not identify him or disclose the circumstances of his death.

According to the report, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division has opened an investigation, and its findings will be transferred to the military prosecutor upon completion. The soldier’s family has been notified.

The incident comes amid growing concern over the number of suicides among Israeli soldiers, a subject that has received increased attention in Israeli media.

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In a separate report, Haaretz said that 22 Israeli soldiers died by suicide while on active duty in 2025, describing it as the highest annual figure recorded by the Israeli military in 15 years.

Israeli media have linked the rise in suicides to the psychological impact of prolonged military service during the war in Gaza, which began in October 2023.

The Israeli military has not publicly commented on whether the latest death is being investigated as a suspected suicide, and the cause of death has not been officially announced.

The war in Gaza has placed sustained operational and psychological pressures on Israeli forces, while mental health experts have warned of the long-term effects of repeated combat deployments and exposure to traumatic events.

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