The team will be headed by the head of the Planning Division in the Ministry of Defense, Col. Eliezer Karni • Chief of Staff Kochavi at noon to provide full assistance to the family
The Ministry of Defense will appoint a committee to investigate the Saidian affair
Photo:
Gideon Markovich
The case of the fighter who set himself on fire on the eve of Remembrance Day: The
Ministry of Defense announced today (Tuesday) that a team will be appointed to investigate the tragic incident in which "solid cliff" fighter Itzik Saidian, who participated in the Sajaiya battle in Gaza and suffered post-trauma, set himself on fire in Petah Tikva.
According to the ministry's announcement, preliminary conclusions will be submitted in the coming days.
At the same time, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi instructed to provide the full assistance required to Itzik, whose doctors are still fighting for his life, and to his family.
A statement from the Ministry of Defense read: "The Ministry of Defense prays for the well-being of an IDF invalid, Itzik Saidian, and is standing by his family at the hospital during these difficult moments.
This is a very difficult event, which shocks every human being.
"Itzik, an IDF invalid treated by the Ministry of Defense, is experiencing a distress that led him to a desperate, worst-of-all act. The Ministry of Defense bears the responsibility of caring for IDF disabled people, including Itzik Saidian."
They added: "The Ministry of Defense will turn every stone to learn and repair. The ministry is committed to drawing lessons and applying them systematically for a substantial improvement in the treatment of combat casualties. Employees of the Ministry of Defense's Rehabilitation Division will continue to treat and support IDF invalids with dedication and professionalism."
The Director General of the Ministry of Defense, Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Eshel, today held the first investigation of the incident, which was presented to Defense Minister Bnei Gantz. In conclusion, he said: "This is a shaky and very difficult event, it is the Ministry of Defense's duty to fulfill the moral debt of Israel." And to rehabilitate those who were sent to its defense and we are determined to bring about fundamental change. "
Eshel also announced that he has appointed the head of the ministry's planning department, Col. (Res.) Eliezer Karni, to head the incident investigation team and submit preliminary conclusions to him in the coming days. At the same time, the CEO instructed him to continue providing the necessary assistance to Itzik and his family.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense added details about Saidian's struggle to get a percentage of disability recognized as an IDF invalid: "Saidian, 26, is recognized in the Rehabilitation Division with a 25% permanent disability for post-trauma from Operation Resilient Cliff.
Saidian filed an application in June 2017 for recognition as an IDF invalid, and was recognized by a medical committee in 2018 retroactively from the date of his release in 2016. Saidian appealed his disability percentage to a supreme committee, which held two meetings and ultimately did not change the medical committee's decision. "25% permanently. In addition to treatment through the Rehabilitation Division, Saidian has also been treated in various settings in the community, and efforts have been made to assist him on the economic-welfare level as well."
