One-Third of Israelis Suffer Psychological Crisis Due to Ongoing War, Report Reveals
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Storm operation continues to weigh heavily on Israelis, with a recent report by the Zionist Natal Center revealing a deepening psychological crisis. The report warns that the trauma is not just a humanitarian issue but also an economic time bomb threatening human capital and sustainable growth for years to come.
Maya Hoffman, a Zionist journalist, analyzed the findings in an article published on the Ynet website, affiliated with the Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The report estimates that Israelis will face costs of approximately $160 billion over the next five years, including direct and indirect expenses linked to war-related psychological damage.
The study emphasizes that much of this cost will not appear in the budget immediately but will gradually manifest in eroded human capital, reduced productivity, and increased rates of illness, violence, and addiction. Many workers, particularly those aged 25 to 38—the backbone of the labor force—are no longer able to work effectively or have abandoned high-skill professions like engineering for less demanding roles due to psychological exhaustion.
The Natal Center’s report also highlights an unprecedented surge in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting nearly 30% of Israelis—far above the global average. Over 600,000 Israelis are estimated to suffer from war-induced psychological trauma, impairing their ability to work or learn, while tens of thousands more exhibit severe symptoms requiring long-term treatment.
Hoffman noted that the report links the crisis to a sharp rise in fatal road accidents, domestic violence, drug abuse, and stress-related cardiovascular diseases and strokes. These patterns, recurring after previous wars, reinforce the credibility of current projections.
The Natal Center, a Zionist nonprofit, provides medical and psychological support to victims of war and violence. Since the start of the Zionist regime’s military actions in Gaza, multiple reports have warned of a growing mental health crisis in Israeli society and the military, with suicide rates—among both soldiers and settlers—rising significantly after the Gaza war and the 12-day conflict with Iran.
