As Israel continues bombardment in Gaza killing nearly 43,000 Palestinians in more than 12 months, an increasing number of Israeli armed forces personnel involved in assaults in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are becoming disillusioned, with some refusing to return to the frontlines.
A report by Israeli outlet HaMakom, based on interviews with over 20 parents and soldiers from various battalions of Israeli army, revealed growing dissatisfaction within the ranks.
In the Nahal Brigade, soldiers have fought in Gaza for five weeks at a time, repeating this cycle 11 times since the genocide began in October 2023. However, during the 11th deployment, only six out of 30 soldiers in one platoon reported for duty, with others providing excuses to avoid returning, the report mentioned.
Inbal, the mother of a Nahal soldier, described the situation as “refusal and rebellion.” She shared how her son’s platoon repeatedly cleared the same buildings in Gaza, only to find them booby-trapped again, calling the effort “futile and pointless.” Another parent, Eidit, stressed upon that the prolonged, seemingly endless fighting, along with harsh conditions, is taking a toll on soldiers’ morale.
The Israeli military has reported over 750 troop fatalities since the war began in October last year, including more than 350 during ground operations in Gaza. Along the Lebanese front, at least 43 Israeli soldiers have been killed.
One soldier, as quoted in HaMakom report, said that due to a lack of manpower, missions are often incomplete. “The platoons are empty; those who aren’t dead or physically injured are mentally broken. Very few return to fight, and even they aren’t fully okay,” they said.
The Israeli bombardment of Gaza in October 2024 has caused massive devastation, with widespread destruction affecting both civilian infrastructure and vital services. Airstrikes have heavily targeted residential areas, hospitals, and refugee camps. For instance, the area around Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals faced relentless bombing, contributing to what was described as one of the bloodiest nights of the conflict.
Gaza’s health system has been severely impacted, with 30 out of 36 hospitals bombed by early 2024, according to Save the Children.
The airstrikes have also been deadly for civilians, particularly in refugee camps like Jabalia, where hundreds have been killed. The situation has been exacerbated by a blockade on northern Gaza, trapping civilians and limiting access to essential resources, such as food and medical supplies. Aid workers visiting Gaza reported hearing testimonies of people unable to bury their loved ones and struggling with access to basic healthcare.
Despite various countries interfering and organisations condemning the brutal assault, Israel continues the genocide in Gaza, which is has extended to Lebanon now.
