The objective of this article is to examine trends in suicide rates over a 13-year period in Israel. Cases of autopsy-confirmed-suicides in Israel were reviewed. The results showed there was an overall annual increase in suicide rates, with men three times higher than women. Increasing rates of suicide may be associated with waves of immigration to Israel, increased substance abuse, depression & the political & social climate. The author concludes further study to examine the precipitating factors is warranted. (29 refs.)(CH)