Patriots Panelist Itamar Fleishman Reveals Past Suicide Plan

Itamar Fleishman, a panelist on Channel 14's "The Patriots," has revealed in an upcoming interview that he once developed a detailed plan to end his life during a particularly difficult period. Fleishman shared in an interview with Omri Asenheim, set to air on Reshet 13, that he seriously contemplated suicide and had a concrete plan, though he stated he would not use it. He described his thoughts evolving from impulsive urges to a more calculated decision, at one point beginning to write a suicide note.

Fleishman recounted a moment when he found a pen that didn't work while attempting to write the note, which led him to laugh and reconsider. He recalled advice to "always be able to commit suicide tomorrow morning," which allowed him to pause and decide to try and overcome his struggles instead. This decision marked a turning point after a period of intense despair.

Previously, Fleishman had disclosed a severe mental health crisis that led to two psychiatric hospitalizations at Geha and Ichilov hospitals. This crisis was triggered by his divorce and job loss, after which he isolated himself for about two years before deciding to seek recovery and re-engage with public life.

In a recent anecdote shared on his podcast "Tzemed Ra'im" with Yotam Zimri, Fleishman described being hospitalized in a psychiatric ward while simultaneously participating in a radio broadcast with Hanoch Daum. He would retreat to a side room to avoid disturbing other patients and then go on air to provide political commentary. The situation was eventually discovered by a nurse who heard him on the air, leading to an explanation to the medical staff.

Fleishman is currently a regular panelist on "The Patriots," writes a column for "Israel Hayom," and hosts for Galey Israel radio.