Idf veteran

Israel Katz's populist push to pardon Elor Azaria puts Israel at serious risk - comment

Azaria was not convicted of mere "negligent homicide", but of manslaughter for his actions in 2016.

Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, who was caught on video shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in the head as he lay on the ground, sits during a hearing at a military appeals court in Tel Aviv during which he was charged with manslaughter on April 18, 2016.
A banner flies at Rewild Festival, Ireland, July 10, 2026.

Irish music festival bans IDF veteran from attending in name of 'safe, welcoming, inclusive space'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a Knesset vote on a bill to freeze arrests of haredi draft evaders, in Jerusalem, July 14, 2026

Knesset votes to freeze arrests of ultra-Orthodox draft evaders amid IDF manpower crisis

Staff Sergeant Oren Metzuyanim, a 21-year-old lone soldier at the main rehearsal of the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 19, 2026.

‘We're lone soldiers, but we're not lonely’: How the IDF supports fighters without families


Defense Ministry launches improved services for disabled IDF veterans

The new online service is the first of several proposed ideas that the Defense Ministry hopes to launch as part of their reforms to the system.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

Defense Ministry appoints team to update PTSD evaluations for vets

Mental health treatment for IDF veterans has been in the spotlight since a disabled IDF war veteran set himself on fire in April in front of the Defense Ministry's Rehabilitation Division.

Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz seen during a visit on the Israel-Lebanon border, Northern Israel, on November 17, 2020.

Israeli reform for soldiers suffering from PTSD moves forward

Most recently, disabled IDF veteran Itzik Saidian, who was suffering from PTSD following his service, sparked protest among Israelis regarding the inadequate treatment IDF soldiers receive.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Singer Idan Amedi visits IDF veteran Itzik Saidian at the hospital

At Saidian's bedside, Amedi chose to play the song "Nigmar," a song he wrote during his military service, which describes how Israeli society reacted to the end of the 2008-2009 war in Gaza.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Hundreds of disabled IDF veterans protest by Knesset, Defense Ministry

Promised reforms for the rights of disabled veterans have been stalled as the Finance and Defense ministries squabble over budget.

Israeli veterans and disabled IDF soldiers protest outside the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, for better financial and medical aid and support,  May 5, 2021.

Blood donation event honoring Itzik Saidyan to save lives of 1,500

Former IDF Golani soldier who lit himself on fire about two weeks ago is still in critical condition • another soldier's commander "infuriated" at his being denied support 3 years after fighting

An Israeli soldier donates blood for Itzik Saidian at the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, April 28, 2021.

Gantz scrutinizes Israel's rehab division after IDF vet self-immolated

During a tour of the Haifa rehabilitation division, Defense Minister Benny Gantz identified some urgent issues that will be addressed by the team working to reform the state's rehab facilities.

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Disabled IDF veterans protest as Saidian remains in critical condition

Caregivers announce that they would be holding a full strike of services until the Defense Ministry fixes issues with their working conditions.

A protest by disabled IDF veterans in Tel Aviv, April 18, 2021

Gantz discusses reforming IDF Disabled Veterans Department

Following disabled IDF vet's self-immolation outside of the Ministry of Defense, Disabled Army Veterans Organisation meets with Defense Minister Benny Gantz to discuss reforming the system

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian

Defense Ministry to probe case of IDF vet who self-immolated

Kohavi: "I wish a speedy, complete recovery to Itzik Saidian, a former Golani Brigade soldier who is hospitalized in serious condition" • A friend: "I blame the Rehabilitation Division directly

IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi meets with family of disabled veteran Itzik Saidian