October 2024 has marked a grim period for the Israeli military, seeing one of the highest fatalities in recent years amid intensified conflicts in southern Lebanon and northern Gaza. With at least 62 soldiers lost this month, Israel records its deadliest phase since last December, where losses reached 110 soldiers during intense clashes with Hamas in Gaza. The surge in casualties, far exceeding the nine recorded in September, highlights the severe toll that the ongoing military operations in both Lebanon and Gaza have taken on Israel’s armed forces.
Rising Tensions and Casualties
The month’s fatalities include approximately 35 soldiers killed in southern Lebanon since Israel’s forces launched a new offensive against Hezbollah at the start of October. This escalation follows reports from Hezbollah claiming over 90 Israeli soldiers killed, although these figures remain unconfirmed. Meanwhile, 19 Israeli soldiers have reportedly died in Gaza amid continuous confrontations with Hamas. The conflict has left scores of soldiers wounded as well, with official figures suggesting at least 910 soldiers from the Lebanon front alone required medical treatment in October.
Information Control and Censorship
Israel’s strict military censorship on casualty figures has led to public skepticism, with some questioning whether official numbers underrepresent the true scope of losses. Yair Lapid, Israel’s opposition leader, stirred public debate by stating on Channel 12 that 890 soldiers have been killed and 11,000 injured since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. While his claims were unsupported by official sources, Lapid argued that these numbers were consistent with observations at major Israeli hospitals treating injured soldiers.
Psychological and Physical Impact on Soldiers
The psychological burden on Israel’s military personnel has also escalated. The Israeli military’s rehabilitation department has reported that approximately 12,000 soldiers have received treatment since October 2023, with around 43% facing post-traumatic stress and other psychological challenges. Roughly 1,680 soldiers, or 14%, suffered moderate to serious injuries, further highlighting the physical toll of prolonged operations in Lebanon and Gaza.
Public Sentiment and Support for the War
Israel’s intensifying casualty count has led to growing attention on the families left behind, sparking public debate on the viability of continued military engagements. Funerals of soldiers lost in Lebanon have drawn widespread sympathy and raised questions about Israel’s ongoing military strategy. A recent Haaretz article questioned if Israel’s rising death toll might gradually shift public opinion against the war, as occurred in past Israeli operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Government Discussions on Potential Ceasefire
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently convened government and military officials to discuss a possible ceasefire in Lebanon, high-ranking military leaders believe the end of operations in Lebanon may be approaching. According to a senior security official quoted by Ynet, Israeli forces may soon have to choose between “an arrangement or a war of attrition.”
Future Outlook
With Israel’s government steadfastly committed to military operations, the possibility of a lasting peace remains uncertain. Although a resolution with Lebanon may be on the horizon, the situation in Gaza appears more complex. Analysts argue that influential elements within the Israeli government, including far-right and settler-aligned factions, continue to support the expansion of settlements in Gaza, framing the conflict in religious and ideological terms.
Abed Abu Shihada, a Palestinian writer based in Jaffa, expressed doubt over an end to the conflict in Gaza, noting that political will for peace in Gaza is minimal within the Israeli government, despite high casualties. While support for a ceasefire may grow among Israelis weary of the costs of conflict, the path to peace in Gaza and Lebanon remains unclear amid ongoing violence.