From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Defense Ministry: Man who set himself ablaze has mental illness not linked to his IDF service
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
The Defense Ministry says a 33-year-old man who set himself on fire in Netanya earlier today was not recognized as a wounded veteran.
In a statement, the ministry says the man served in the military between 2008 and 2011. At some point after his service, he submitted an application to be recognized as a wounded vet.
“His request to be recognized as a disabled IDF veteran was thoroughly examined and rejected after he was diagnosed as suffering from a mental illness, which was not PTSD and was not related to his military service,” the ministry says.
The ministry says that “the doctors who examined him and treated him during the past year and a half did not diagnose PTSD.”
“The Defense Ministry was in continuous contact with his family throughout the application, and wishes for his safety and health,” it adds.
The Times of Israel Community.