The IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi vowed Tuesday that military officials will "do all they can" to help 26-year-old disabled IDF veteran who set himself up on fire in protest over his treatment for PTSD.
Itzik Saidyan was in critical condition Tuesday, after his self-immolation attempt in front of the Defense Ministry's rehabilitation department offices in Petach Tikva, in central Israel, on Monday evening. Kochavi visited him on Tuesday at the hospital and said that he felt "great pain" over the former soldier's ordeal.
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The incident came a day before Israel begins marking its Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day, which starts on Tuesday night.
Saidyan fought in the 2014 Gaza war and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following the conflict.
The attempted self-immolation has left him with severe burns all over his body. He is being treated at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan.
A statement by the IDF Veterans Association said that the Saidyan has been recognized by the Defense Ministry as having 25% disability over his PTSD but had requested 50 % recognition and was growing increasingly frustrated at his treatment by authorities, which he said were dragging their feet.
A statement by the Defense Ministry said that Saidyan had doused himself with flammable liquid just outside of the Rehabilitation Department's offices in Petach Tikva, then set himself on fire.
"Defense Ministry security guards acted immediately, using fire extinguishers, then administered first aid while calling emergency services."
Defense Minister Benny Gantz ordered an investigation into the incident, the statement said.
Kochavi said before his visit, "On behalf of the IDF and myself, I send Itzik Saidyan our wishes for his speedy and full recovery. Many among our soldiers and reservists carry invisible wounds – battle scars on their souls that weigh on them for years. The IDF and the Israeli public owe a great debt to those who risk their lives and mental wellbeing to defense the country. We must spare no effort to fight for them."
The incident prompted messages of solidarity from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident "shocking," saying, "Itzik Saidyan, a Golani [Brigade] fighter in Operation Protective Edge, set himself on fire following severe mental distress.
"Unfortunately, I know he is not the only one of our soldiers to suffer such distress. I have spoken with Idan Kliman, the head of the IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, and assure him that I am committed to pursuing a comprehensive reform of the way we treat disabled and wounded IDF soldiers."
President Reuven Rivlin tweeted, "I pray for Itzik Saidyan's speedy recovery. Among our sons and daughters that have returned from battle many are still struggling. We see you. We feel your pain. We owe the state's very existence to Itzik and all our children in uniform. We are responsible for their fate."
Gantz – a former IDF chief of staff – tweeted, "From the bottom of my heart, I pray for Itzik Saidyan's speedy recovery. The Defense Ministry will conduct an thorough investigation to determine the circumstances of the tragic event. We have a moral obligation to do everything possible to help disabled soldiers, our best sons, who have paid the heaviest price so that we can live here safely."
Yesh Atid MK Maj. Gen. (ret.) Orna Barbivai, formerly head of the IDF Manpower Directorate, said, "We have a moral duty to make sure that disabled soldiers receive the best possible care to allow them to rehabilitate themselves.
Education Minister Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yoav Gallant, formerly GOC Southern Command, said, "My heart goes out to Itzik Saidyan, whose suffering caused him to set himself on fire this evening [Monday]. I deeply sympathize with disabled soldiers, who bear the scars of battle and service on their bodies and souls. I embrace them to my heart and promise to represent them everywhere."
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