High cohesion is one of the strongest protective factors against PTSD, and Israeli units tend to maintain unusually tight bonds.
By Hezy Laing
The PTSD rates in the IDF are significantly lower than those reported in the U.S. and UK militaries, and research points to cultural, structural, and operational reasons for this difference.
The contrast is well‑documented: after the 2006 Lebanon War, only 1.5% of Israeli soldiers were diagnosed with PTSD, with 2.9% seeking psychological help without meeting diagnostic criteria.
By comparison, U.S. PTSD rates for recent conflicts range from 11% to 23% depending on the war and unit type, and UK military studies also show higher prevalence of PTSD and other mental health disorders among service members.
Why IDF PTSD Rates Have Been Lower
Universal Conscription and Shared National Burden
Israel’s system of mandatory service means nearly every family has a direct connection to the military. This creates:
Strong social cohesion
Broad public understanding of combat stress
Reduced stigma around discussing military experiences
When society “speaks the same language” of service, soldiers often feel less isolated after trauma.
Immediate, Embedded Mental‑Health Intervention
The IDF pioneered forward psychiatry, treating acute stress reactions near the battlefield and returning soldiers to their units quickly.
This approach—used since the Yom Kippur War—has been shown to reduce chronic PTSD by addressing symptoms early and preventing long‑term psychological collapse.
Shorter Deployments and Clearer Missions
Unlike U.S. and UK forces, which often deploy troops for long, repeated tours overseas, IDF combat operations are shorter, closer to home and focused on defense rather than expeditionary warfare.
Soldiers remain near family support networks, and the clarity of fighting “for home” reduces moral ambiguity—an important factor in PTSD development.
Strong Unit Cohesion
IDF units train together for years, often composed of peers from the same towns or schools.
High cohesion is one of the strongest protective factors against PTSD, and Israeli units tend to maintain unusually tight bonds.
Cultural Normalization of Trauma
In Israel, trauma is not hidden. Public discourse, media, and national rituals openly acknowledge psychological wounds.
This reduces shame and encourages early help‑seeking—another factor linked to lower chronic PTSD rates.
A Changing Picture
Recent conflicts have strained the system, and newer reports show rising PTSD cases in the IDF.
Still, historically, Israel’s unique social structure, military doctrine, and cultural environment have produced significantly lower PTSD rates than those seen in Western volunteer armies.
