Israel Gaza War: Spate of Soldier Suicides Hit IDF's Elite Golani Brigade

Three Israeli soldiers from the Israel Defence Forces' (IDF) elite Golani Brigade have committed suicide following their return from the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli daily Maariv reported that the soldiers "had suffered psychological problems" in relation to their role in the 50-day conflict in the occupied territory.

In 2013, suicide rates in the IDF were at their lowest since its establishment in 1948 with seven suicides.

Suicides are believed to have dropped from 2011 onwards because of increased internal procedures involving commanders and mental health workers and a reduction in permissions for soldiers to take their weapons home with them.

The Israeli military is yet to make a comment about the incidents but it is reported that they are investigating the different causes of the suicides.

The Golani Brigade, one Israel's elite military units, suffered 13 losses in one day during the recent conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which a senior military officer called a "tough day" for the brigade.

The unit is famed for its heroic retaking Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights from Syrian forces during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.

In the seven-week conflict in Gaza this summer, over 2,100 Palestinians - mostly civilians - lost their lives. All but five of the 68 Israeli fatalities were soldiers.