Israeli Soldier Diagnosed with PTSD Detained Without Psychiatric Care After Gaza Battle

An Israeli soldier from the Givati Brigade, who heroically saved lives and evacuated fallen comrades during a deadly battle in Rafah, Gaza, has been detained for over nine days without receiving psychiatric treatment despite clear diagnoses of severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The soldier voluntarily reported to the military in late June 2026 to regularize his status after nearly two years of absence due to his mental health condition, but was immediately arrested and placed in a military detention facility without access to psychiatric care.

The soldier's mental health deteriorated rapidly following the June 2024 battle in Rafah, where a booby-trapped building exploded, killing four soldiers and injuring eleven others. Despite his exemplary conduct under fire, the traumatic experience left him with deep psychological scars. He repeatedly sought help from military mental health officers but was denied due to ongoing combat operations. For almost two years, he was unable to wear his uniform or function normally, suffering from severe anxiety, nightmares, and violent outbursts.

After a worsening condition, civilian doctors diagnosed him with anxiety and depression and urgently referred him for psychiatric evaluation, which confirmed PTSD. Military psychiatrists also officially diagnosed him with PTSD and recommended he be barred from contact with weapons and receive urgent psychiatric follow-up. Despite these findings, the military prosecution charged him with unauthorized absence for 632 days and demanded his continued detention pending legal proceedings.

During military court hearings, judges expressed concern over the unusual circumstances and ordered expedited psychiatric evaluation and care, which have yet to be provided. The soldier’s partner described his worsening condition, including insomnia, tremors, and hallucinations of smelling corpses, and pleaded for proper mental health support. The Israel Defense Forces stated that medical evaluations are ongoing and that the soldier is receiving appropriate care, but declined to provide further details citing privacy laws.

This case highlights the challenges faced by soldiers suffering from combat-related trauma and the military’s handling of mental health issues amid legal and operational constraints.