New WIZO Research: Economic and Security Crises Driving Surge in Male Stress and Violence in Israel

Nearly 42% of Israeli men do not rule out violent outbursts; WIZO adapts men’s support line to meet urgent needs

A new research report commissioned by WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organization) and conducted by the Roszinek Institute reveals a troubling spike in stress, anger, and exposure to violence among men in Israel, largely due to the country’s ongoing security crisis and economic instability. The findings paint a stark picture of a male population under pressure—with consequences that increasingly manifest in rage, loss of control, and domestic violence.

The study, based on a nationwide online survey of 601 men aged 25–64 in long-term relationships, aimed to understand how current national challenges are affecting men’s emotional state and behavior—and to what extent they are aware of or utilizing support resources.

Mounting Pressure on Men

The survey shows that 75% of respondents believe the economic crisis has caused significant stress among men, while 69% cite the security situation as a major source of tension. An overwhelming 68% describe the current situation in Israel as “bad” or “very bad.”

For men who were directly affected by the war—either through military reserve duty, evacuations, or knowing someone injured—rates of stress and exposure to violence were even higher.

Loss of Control Is Alarmingly Common

• 42% of men agree that it is reasonable to expect many men to experience outbursts of rage or loss of control due to the prolonged crisis.
• 37% say they do not rule out the possibility that they themselves could experience such a violent outburst.
• This figure rises to 40% among men with a friend or relative affected by the war.

“The war of October 7th is engraved in our collective psyche—in grief, trauma, and economic insecurity,” says Rivka Neuman, Head of WIZO’s Division for the Advancement of Women. “This research confirms what we’re hearing on the ground: the pressure is building, and without intervention, it may explode in homes and relationships.”

Rising Exposure to Verbal and Physical Violence

The study reveals a disturbing increase in exposure to violence in men’s immediate environments:

• 34% witnessed a man lose control or have an angry outburst in the past year.
• Among men directly affected by the war, this number rises to 48%.
• 24% saw or heard verbal violence toward a partner or child, and 11% reported witnessing physical violence.
• Among those with a friend or relative hurt in the war, exposure rates were even higher:
  • 39% for verbal abuse
  • 20% for physical abuse

Low Awareness of Support Options

Despite the alarming trends, awareness of available help remains critically low:

• Only 33% of men said they know of support options for dealing with anger or violence.
• Just 35% are aware of WIZO’s Men’s Hotline, a dedicated service that helps men break cycles of violence.

When asked what kind of intervention is most helpful:

• 54% said individual therapy
• 19% preferred group therapy
• Only 6% supported stricter punishment

Regional and Demographic Disparities

• Northern Israel and Haifa residents report higher stress levels than the national average, with 77% describing the national situation as “bad” or worse.
• Among Arab men, 64% do not rule out the possibility of experiencing a rage outburst—far above the national average of 37%.

WIZO Responds: A Shift in Strategy

In response to the findings, WIZO is expanding its Men’s Hotline, which previously focused solely on domestic violence, to better address the complex emotional toll of the war and economic hardships.

“We’re adapting the Men’s Hotline to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic service that meets men where they are,” explains Neuman. “Our goal is early intervention—to give men a safe space to release pressure before it turns into violence.”

Neuman emphasized that these findings must serve as a wake-up call for national policymakers:

“This is not just a personal issue—it’s a societal crisis. We need a national intervention program within the coming year. Without action, we risk seeing more families torn apart by violence stemming from untreated trauma, grief, and stress.”

WIZO’s new research sheds critical light on the psychological burden facing Israeli men today—and how easily personal crises can become societal ones when emotional pressure goes unaddressed. In adapting its services, WIZO is taking the first step. The next must come from a broader commitment by the government, mental health institutions, and society at large to support men, protect families, and prevent violence before it escalates.