The incident in which the former fighter set himself on fire just before Memorial Day continues to resonate • The chief of staff, who spoke to Saidian's sister: "We must do everything to fight for the injured" • The wounded man is still hospitalized in critical condition
Itzik Saidian
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"We have been carrying the scars of battle for many years":
Chief of Staff Major General Aviv Kochavi this morning referred for the first time (Tuesday) to an incident in which former Golani fighter Itzik Saidian set himself on fire yesterday.
"On behalf of myself and the entire IDF, I wish a speedy and complete recovery to Itzik Saidian, a former fighter in the Golani Brigade who is hospitalized and in a serious condition," said Kochavi.
"Among our fighters and our reservists are those whose injuries cannot be seen and they carry in their souls the battle scars for many years. The IDF and Israel owe a great debt to those who risk their lives and lives for the defense of the country and we must do everything to fight for them."
An IDF spokesman said that last night during the night, commanders of Itzik Saidian from the Golani Brigade arrived at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital during Operation Eitan, Lt. Col. Erez Alkabetz, Lt. Col. Ohad Moyal, and Major Nikolai Ashurov, to support And accompany him and his family.
Netanyahu on the battle shock that ignited himself: "Unfortunately, he is not the only one of our fighters who is in such distress" // Photo: Prime Minister's Communication
The chief of staff spoke this morning with Colonel Erez Alkabetz and Leah, Itzik's older sister, who shared the details of the tragic case.
"The entire IDF longs for Itzik's speedy and complete recovery and for the wounded and disabled IDF," the IDF spokesman said.
As you may recall, Saidian set himself on fire yesterday in front of the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense in Petah Tikva.
His condition is serious, and he suffers severe burns to his body.
The incident provoked many reactions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the beginning of last night's cabinet meeting: "On the eve of Remembrance Day, we are witnessing a shocking event. Itzik Saidian, a Golani fighter in Operation Resilient Cliff, set himself on fire due to great mental distress. Earlier tonight, I spoke with the chairman of the IDF Disabled People's Organization, Idan Kliman. I was deeply shocked by the case and also said that I am committed to carrying out a comprehensive reform of the way we treat IDF disabled people and our wounded.
I'm sure I'm reflecting the opinions of many, many of you. "