Journalist Daniel Amram published an exposé detailing a case in which an IDF soldier seeking mental health support was told by his commander 'do it' after saying he feared he might harm himself. The IDF said it is investigating the incident and that the soldier is receiving medical care. The report comes amid wider concerns over mental health in the military.
The exposé, published Tuesday evening by journalist Daniel Amram on his the source, details a conversation in which an IDF soldier told his commander that his medical condition prevented him from participating in patrols and that his mental state had deteriorated to the point where he feared he might harm himself. According to the report, the commander responded with a single word: 'do it.'
The IDF acknowledged the incident in a statement: 'The event is under investigation and being reviewed with the relevant commanders, and steps will be taken accordingly. The soldier is receiving care from the relevant medical professionals.'
The report states that this is not an isolated case and that families of soldiers who died by suicide have provided evidence alleging that commanders' conduct contributed to their deterioration.
The exposé highlights a broader challenge facing the IDF. In recent months, The Zioneer has reported on several related stories: a soldier found without vital signs at a northern base in July; imprisoned soldiers from the Tzabar battalion warning of a mental health crisis in a letter to the Chief of Staff in August; and growing criticism from troops over operational restrictions in June. The military has also been grappling with near-record draft evasion, as reported in late June.
The IDF said the specific incident is under investigation and that the soldier is receiving professional medical care.
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