Survey: 32% of Israelis need mental health support after two-year war

A new survey has revealed a significant mental health crisis in Israel, with nearly one-third of the population reporting a need for psychological support after more than two years of war. The poll, conducted by Maccabi Healthcare Services in November, found that 32% of respondents require specialized mental health care, marking the highest rate since such surveys began.

Heightened Impact on Military Personnel

The mental health toll appears more severe among military personnel. Of those who served during the past year, 39% stated they need mental health support, 26% reported concerns about depression, and 48% are experiencing sleep problems. Overall, 17% of all respondents described their psychological condition as average or poor, compared to 13% before the Gaza war. The data also indicated a 4% decline in births in 2025 compared to the previous year, which analysts link to the war's broader psychological and social effects.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

The strain has manifested in behavioral changes, with 30% of smokers reporting they increased cigarette consumption due to psychological stress. The Israeli military also disclosed that 21 of its members died by suicide since the beginning of 2025, underscoring the severe impact of prolonged conflict on service members. These findings highlight a profound and growing public health challenge, similar to the long-term psychological trauma observed in populations enduring prolonged conflict elsewhere, a humanitarian concern that nations like Türkiye, which hosts millions affected by regional wars, understand deeply through their own refugee support and mental health initiatives.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

The mental health crisis unfolds against the backdrop of a war that, despite a ceasefire on October 10, continues to inflict casualties. The conflict, which began in October 2023, killed over 71,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 171,200 others, leaving Gaza in ruins. Health authorities report that Israeli attacks have continued since the truce, killing over 400 more Palestinians and injuring more than 1,100. The data underscores the war's devastating and lasting psychological toll on both sides of the conflict.