Israeli Veterans Share Trauma Following Gaza Conflict
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 24 Oct 2026, 12:32 am AEST
A group of Israeli army veterans are seeking support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from their experiences during the October 7th attacks and subsequent fighting in Gaza. The group reports ongoing psychological distress and the lasting impact of witnessing violence and loss.
What happened
- Eighteen Israeli army veterans, many discharged due to PTSD, met at Ben Gurion Airport to receive support and share their experiences.
- Lior Tapicer, a former combat unit member, recounted his time fighting in the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023.
- He described witnessing scenes of devastation, including burned bodies and civilian casualties, and admitted to feelings of intense vengeance.
- Tapicer was discharged after experiencing severe panic attacks and guilt related to leaving his comrades.
- He stated that killing terrorists did not alleviate his distress and, in fact, exacerbated it.
- Other veterans reported similar experiences, with one describing the use of electric shock weapons during detainee torture, as documented by human rights groups.
- The Israeli Defence Forces acknowledged the abuse of detainees but maintained that restraints were used only in exceptional circumstances.
- The UN’s Committee Against Torture expressed serious concern over allegations of torture and sexual abuse within Israeli detention facilities.
- The veterans’ shared trauma reflects a significant psychological burden on Israeli soldiers and civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict, with a reported 40% increase in PTSD cases among the military since September 2023.