The IDF reported an increase in the number of fatalities among its soldiers in 2017.
55 IDF soldiers died in 2017, compared with 41 soldiers who died in 2016, and 36 who died in 2015, according to a report published by the IDF Tuesday evening.
Five soldiers were murdered in terrorist attacks. Two soldiers were killed in during combat operations. One soldier was killed in an aircraft crash. Two soldiers were killed in operational accidents. Twelve soldiers were killed in traffic accidents. One soldier was killed in a workplace accident, and five soldiers were killed in other accidents.
Nine soldiers died of illnesses, and the deaths of 16 soldiers are believed to be suicides.
The increase in fatalities was attributed largely to an increase in the number of soldiers killed in accidents. There was a slight increase in the number of suspected suicides.