By the Numbers: Israel’s Losses After Two Years of the Gaza War
Two years of multi-front warfare — stretching from Gaza to Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran — have taken a heavy toll on Israel, both militarily and economically.
According to Israel’s Ministry of Defense, 1,152 soldiers and security personnel have been killed since October 7, 2023.
However, analysts believe the actual toll may be higher due to Israel’s strict censorship on the publication of military losses, especially in Gaza and southern Lebanon.
In a statement, the ministry clarified that the death toll includes “soldiers, police officers, members of the internal security agency (Shin Bet), special operations forces, and rapid response teams who fought in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank.”
The total number of injured stands at around 29,935 people, including 20,000 soldiers officially registered with the Ministry of Defense.
Data from the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University show that 86.6% of the injuries resulted from attacks originating in Gaza, while 87.6% of soldiers wounded were involved in clashes with Palestinian fighters. Other casualties were caused by attacks from Hezbollah (4.8%), Iran (3.3%), and the Houthis (0.1%), as well as incidents within Israel itself.
The October 7 Attack: The Largest Operation Against Israel
The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, marked the most significant turning point in the war. Around 6,000 Palestinians — including 3,800 armed militants — took part in the assault, infiltrating through 110 breaches in the border fence up to 22 kilometers inside Israeli territory.
The attackers used 57 drones, 7 boats, 6 gliders, and heavy weaponry. They entered 22 Israeli communities, 12 military bases, and two music festivals.
The assault left around 1,200 Israelis dead and led to the kidnapping of 251 people. More than 70,000 were officially identified as direct victims of the attack.
Thousands of buildings in the “Gaza envelope” region were damaged, including 392 homes and 133 structures completely destroyed, while 330 require full reconstruction.
Rocket Fire from Four Fronts
Since the war began, approximately 37,500 rockets have been launched toward Israel from multiple fronts:
- 17,300 rockets and 593 drones from Lebanon
- 10,200 rockets and 51 drones from Gaza
- 500 rockets and drones from the Houthis
- 950 rockets and 1,380 drones from Iran
Internal Displacement and Migration
About 164,500 Israelis were forced to leave their homes, 85% of whom have since returned.
The evacuations included 74,600 residents near Gaza (90% returned) and 68,500 along the Lebanese border (80% returned).
Last year also saw 76,000 Israelis emigrate abroad — one of the highest figures in recent decades.
Violence in the West Bank
In the West Bank, authorities have documented 6,311 stone-throwing incidents and 1,187 Molotov cocktail attacks over the past two years — a sign of rising internal tensions despite Israel’s focus on external battlefronts.
Rising Debt and a Strained Economy
The estimated cost of the multi-front war has reached roughly 300 billion shekels ($88.7 billion).
This has led to an unprecedented surge in government borrowing, a heavier public debt burden, and growing concerns about the long-term economic consequences of sustained conflict.
