Israel's 'Total Victory' Slogan Masks Moral Wounds of War
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's slogan "Total Victory" is criticized for oversimplifying war's complexities and potentially harming soldiers' mental health by ignoring moral injuries. Experts warn that this narrative, emphasizing a clear win, can lead to feelings of isolation and distress for soldiers confronting difficult ethical experiences. The article highlights how the "us vs. them" framing and a sense of betrayal by leadership can exacerbate psychological suffering. Addressing these issues through open dialogue and support is crucial for soldiers' well-being.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu's "Total Victory" slogan is criticized for ignoring the moral complexities and psychological toll of war on soldiers.
- Experts warn that the emphasis on a definitive win can lead returning soldiers to feel isolated and unseen.
- Moral injuries, arising from actions taken or witnessed during combat, can cause significant distress, shame, and mental health issues.
- The "us vs. them" narrative and a sense of betrayal by leadership are identified as factors contributing to soldiers' suffering.
- Open dialogue, societal support, and recognition of war's costs are deemed essential for soldiers' mental well-being.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated use of the slogan "Total Victory" in the context of the war in Gaza, particularly following the October 7th attacks, is being criticized for oversimplifying the complex realities of warfare and potentially harming soldiers' mental well-being. The slogan, initially used to frame the war as a heroic struggle against evil, aims to imbue sacrifice with meaning and connect it to Israel's historical narrative of triumph. However, experts argue that this narrative leaves little room for the nuanced emotions soldiers may experience, such as doubt, guilt, or anger over decisions made during combat.
Professor Yossi Levi-Balas, head of a center for the study of mental anguish at the University of Haifa, warns that "war is never a total victory." He explains that the constant emphasis on a definitive win can lead returning soldiers to feel unseen and alone, especially when confronted with the moral complexities and potential ethical injuries they sustained. These injuries can arise from actions taken or witnessed, creating a deep internal conflict and potentially leading to distress, shame, depression, and PTSD.
The article also points to the dangerous dichotomy of "us vs. them" that the "Total Victory" narrative can foster, contributing to the dehumanization of Palestinians and justifying extreme actions. When soldiers return with experiences that contradict this black-and-white view, and society continues to see them as unblemished heroes, the gap between their personal experiences and societal expectations can deepen their isolation and psychological distress.
Furthermore, the concept of "betrayal" is highlighted as a significant factor in soldiers' mental health. A substantial portion of Israelis, particularly young adults, reported feeling betrayed by their leaders in surveys conducted after October 7th. This sense of betrayal, stemming from perceived discrepancies between leaders' actions or statements and soldiers' values or trust, can severely impact their worldview and sense of belonging.
Levi-Balas emphasizes that while societal support, recognition, and professional treatment are crucial for healing moral injuries, the political climate and leadership play a vital role. A widening gap between leadership rhetoric and the conscience of individuals can fracture a sense of belonging and identification with the state, undermining national resilience. The article concludes by stressing that addressing the heavy costs of war and fostering open dialogue are essential to prevent soldiers from feeling alone with their experiences, potentially mitigating risks of depression, PTSD, and suicide.