קללת הגיבורים

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's slogan of "Total Victory" in the war, initially intended to rally public support and imbue sacrifice with meaning, is increasingly being criticized for its potential negative psychological impact on soldiers and society. The slogan, first used by Netanyahu in December 2023, shortly after the death of reservist Sergeant Major Gal Eisenkot, son of War Cabinet member Gadi Eisenkot, frames the conflict as a clear battle between good and evil, a narrative that may oversimplify the complex realities of war.

Professor Yossi Levi-Belz, head of the Lior Zafti Center for the Study of Suicidality and Mental Pain at the University of Haifa, warns that the "total victory" narrative can lead to a "simplification of reality" that leaves returning soldiers feeling unseen and alone. He explains that war inherently involves loss and pain, and ignoring this can exacerbate moral injuries, situations where soldiers act in ways that conflict with their own moral code. These experiences, coupled with societal expectations of heroism, can lead to deep distress, guilt, shame, depression, PTSD, and an increased risk of suicide.

Levi-Belz highlights the danger of a binary "us vs. them" narrative, which can dehumanize Palestinians and justify extreme actions. When soldiers return with experiences that contradict this simplistic view, they face a disconnect between their personal experiences and societal expectations. This can be compounded by a sense of betrayal if soldiers feel their leaders' actions or words contradict the values they fought for, a sentiment reported by a significant portion of the Israeli population, particularly young adults.

Research on moral injury, including studies on Dutch soldiers in Bosnia and Afghanistan and American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, suggests that societies often praise soldiers as heroes while failing to address the moral complexities of their wartime actions. This can leave soldiers isolated with their doubts and memories. Levi-Belz emphasizes that connection, support, recognition, and professional help are crucial for healing from moral injuries, but the political climate and leadership's actions play a significant role in soldiers' mental resilience.

The article concludes by stressing that the state has a responsibility to acknowledge and support soldiers dealing with moral injuries, ensuring they do not face these challenges alone. It points to available support services for those experiencing distress and suicidal thoughts, underscoring that open and empathetic conversations about suicide can be helpful.