A 28-year-old Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) commando unit reservist, Captain Yosef Haim Ashraf, was found dead in an apparent suicide in Switzerland Forest near Tiberias, local media reported. The IOF Military Police believes he took his own life by detonating a grenade.
Ashraf had recently served with the 99th Division in the Gaza Strip and was part of a newly formed unit involved in recent military operations. The IOF said the Military Police Investigation unit has opened an inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
According to official IOF data, suicides among soldiers on active duty, both regular and reservists, have increased since the start of the war. From October 7, 2023, to the end of that year, seven soldiers committed suicide, and in 2024, 21 soldiers took their own lives. This year, 18 soldiers on active duty have died by suicide, including Ashraf, marking the 17th confirmed case within the IOF this year.
The incident highlights the growing concern over the mental health of soldiers serving in the Israeli army, particularly those involved in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli army has continued its operations in Gaza since October 2023, amid international calls for a ceasefire.
The conflict has resulted in over 61,700 Palestinian deaths, described by some as the second year of genocide in the enclave. The ongoing violence has taken a toll on both sides, with many calling for an end to the hostilities.
The IOF’s data on soldier suicides raises questions about the psychological impact of military service on individuals and the need for adequate support systems. As the conflict continues, concerns about the well-being of soldiers and civilians on both sides remain pressing issues.