IDF Will Recognize Soldiers Who Died by Suicide After Service

For the first time, the Israel Defense Forces will officially recognize and support families of discharged soldiers who died by suicide following their military service.

A committee headed by former IDF Manpower Directorate Chief Major General (Res.) Moti Almoz has established new protocols and definitions for civilians who took their own lives due to circumstances related to their military service.

The Scale of the Crisis

Despite high media attention, the IDF has identified approximately 15 such cases since the outbreak of the current war. Notably, these figures only include discharged regular service soldiers, not reserve duty combatants.

Under the new protocols, which previously did not exist, any case of suicide occurring within two years of completing service will receive IDF support for the family. While funerals will remain civilian ceremonies, they will now include an IDF representative, military eulogies, and the placement of a military wreath.

Support During Shiva

An additional innovation involves IDF presence during the week-long mourning period (shiva), where the military will provide emotional support to the bereaved family and guidance on how to approach the Ministry of Defense for further assistance and benefits.

Committee representatives explained that the decision essentially represents the IDF taking responsibility for civilians who took their own lives up to two years after completing their service. While burial and commemoration will remain civilian, the military will assume responsibility for support.

How the System Will Work

Close accompaniment: An IDF representative will accompany the family throughout the funeral and seven days of mourning, providing guidance and support for submitting recognition requests to the Ministry of Defense.

Funeral with military elements: Subject to family wishes, a civilian funeral (in a civilian cemetery) will include military components: placement of an IDF wreath, a military eulogizer, and representation from the deceased's unit.

Decision-making process: The decision to provide this support will be made by the head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, based on recommendations from a special committee convened shortly after the death.

Commemoration: The deceased will be designated as "perished after his service," entitling the family to a monthly stipend and inscription of the name in the national memorial hall at Mount Herzl, though not at memorial ceremonies or monuments.

Criteria for Recognition

The committee will consider several factors:

- Length of service and nature of the role

- Exposure to exceptional incidents during service

- Proximity in time between discharge and death

- Unique personal circumstances

Why Not Full Recognition as Fallen Soldiers?

"The dilemma was," military officials explain, "how do you preserve in law the status of IDF soldiers who fell during their service, when you cannot equate civilians who died by suicide with soldiers who fell during active service?"

The distinction reflects the complexity of mental health casualties. Unlike physical medicine, psychiatric conditions make it difficult to pinpoint exact causation, leading to numerous dilemmas. Ultimately, after initial recognition including funeral and shiva support, the Ministry of Defense will determine final classification.

It's important to note that even with all the new protocols, these individuals will not be recognized as IDF fallen soldiers (regarding casualty counts and commemoration) because the law stipulates that only those who died during active military service qualify as fallen IDF soldiers.

The policy represents a significant acknowledgment of the mental health toll of military service and the military's responsibility to those affected, even after their formal service has ended.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Crisis hotlines are available 24/7.