Sister of Itzik Chen, 48, says he was denied the care he needed after he was 'scarred' by military service; Defense Ministry says he suffered from other mental health issues

Doctors rule out visitors for Itzik Saidyan for two weeks while they try to determine what caused his condition to deteriorate

Itzik Saidyan receives visits from Religious Zionism MKs, singer Aviv Geffen; brother hails ongoing recovery, thanks doctors and country for prayers

Doctors slowly bringing Itzik Saidyan out of coma; family says he is showing signs he is aware of his surroundings

As Defense Ministry seeks to overhaul its much-criticized Rehabilitation Department, cabinet expected to approve NIS 300 million measure Friday or Sunday

Defense minister accuses PM, finance minister of holding up proposal; they say the Defense Ministry should come up with some of the money

Investigative committee on Itzik Saidyan, who suffers from PTSD, finds he was forced to fight grueling bureaucracy for years, received only temporary assistance

Moves aimed at cutting red tape, ending background checks; come after ex-IDF soldier self-immolated in apparent protest after years of fighting ministry bureaucracy

Hospital warns of immediate danger to Itzik Saidyan's life, as he remains in critical condition since his self-immolation outside offices of department for disabled veterans

Amir Eshel acknowledges ministry's failures in caring for Itzik Saidyan, who self-immolated last week, but refuses to elaborate on concrete steps he plans to take to address issues