Crisis in Golani
Israeli Soldiers Refuse to Enter and Fight in Gaza
Five Battalion 51 fighters broke ranks after two years of nonstop combat, exposing the heavy mental toll on Israel’s frontline troops.
Golani Brigade, one of Israel’s most iconic combat units, is facing one of its toughest internal crises in recent years. Five soldiers from Battalion 51 declared they could no longer take part in the fighting in Gaza City.
Two of the soldiers were sent to prison for disobeying orders, while three others were seen by a mental health officer and dismissed from combat duty.
“Our souls are torn – we can’t take it anymore”
Soldiers inside the battalion describe overwhelming psychological strain and fear of asking for help:
“We’re afraid to go to the mental health officer because they’ll say we’re cowards. We’re not afraid to die in battle, this is our time to bring the hostages home. But some of us are broken inside and need treatment. We all need treatment.”
They recount two years of nonstop combat, in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, during which many comrades were killed. “We feel like puppets on strings… like we’re nothing in the eyes of the state.”
The Israel Defense Forces spokesperson stated:
“A number of soldiers refused to take part in an operational mission. After a command conversation and support from mental health professionals, disciplinary steps were taken. The IDF views disobeying orders as very serious and will continue to uphold the discipline and responsibility required of all its soldiers, especially its combat troops.”
Between Valor and Breakdown
The incident exposes the deep internal rift within Golani fighters, on one hand, a strong sense of duty and heroism, and on the other, unbearable psychological exhaustion.
The pressing question: Is the IDF truly prepared to address the growing mental toll on its frontline soldiers?