Israeli soldiers are becoming disillusioned and tired of fighting in the Gaza Strip, report says

A growing number of Israeli soldiers are becoming disillusioned with the fighting in Gaza and other conflict zones in Lebanon and the West Bank, leading some to refuse to return to the battlefield.

According to a report by the Israeli publication HaMakom, an interview with more than 20 parents and fighters in a number of battalions, an increase in discontent in the ranks was revealed.

Soldiers from the Nahal Brigade spend five weeks fighting in the Gaza Strip before returning home to rest, which they have done 11 times since fighting began in October 2023.

However, according to Ha-Makom, during the 11th deployment, only six soldiers out of a 30-man platoon showed up, and the rest made up excuses.

“I call it refusal and rebellion,” Inbal, the mother of one of the platoon soldiers, told HaMak.

“They keep returning to the same buildings they’ve already cleared, only to find they’re booby-trapped again. Only in the Zaytun area (in Gaza City) they were there three times. They understand that it is useless and pointless.”

“The platoons are empty; those who are not dead or physically injured are mentally broken. Very few return to fight.”

– Israeli soldier

All those interviewed in the report spoke anonymously for fear of facing persecution by the military.

“What kills them is the conditions and duration of the fighting, with no end in sight. You never know when you’re going to get out, and it’s been like this for a year now,” said another parent, Eidith.

The Israeli military has released the names of more than 750 troops killed since the war began last October, including more than 350 killed during ground operations in the Gaza Strip.

At least 43 Israeli troops have died in attacks and ground operations on the northern front of the war along the Lebanese border.

Another soldier told Ha-Makom that missions were “half completed” due to manpower shortages.

“The platoons are empty; those who are not dead or physically injured are mentally broken. Very few return to fight, and even they are not completely well,” they said.