The burns affected G’s head, face, ears, chest, back, and hands, and he was evacuated to hospital, where he is currently in critical condition in intensive care, according to his sister.
A soldier in the IDF’s Caracal Battalion was badly burned while waiting for a conversation with one of his commanders on Tuesday, according to statements on Sunday.
The soldier, who is identified as G, is 20 years old, and suffered third-degree burns to 30% of his body in an incident believed to be an accident when the base’s Chief Sergeant First Class lit a cigarette nearby with a soldier pouring gasoline at the scene, leading to an ignition.
G was likely injured as a result of the burning of flammable material leaking from a gasoline container. The incident is under investigation.
The burns affected G’s head, face, ears, chest, back, and hands, and he was evacuated to hospital, where he is currently in critical condition in intensive care, according to his sister.
The Chief Sgt. First Class ordered his soldier to pour the gasoline but there are no reports that they knew G was at the scene.
Two soldiers from IDF’s Caracal Battalion stand guard on base; illustrative. (credit: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit via Maariv)
Sources close to G say he had previously suffered significant hearing loss as a result of prolonged exposure to noise during his earlier military service, which resulted in lowering his medical profile, and removing him from a combat position, placing him as kitchen staff on the army base, which he reportedly felt contradicted his aspirations and abilities.
Fighting to change this issue is reportedly why G was planning to meet with his commander. He had been attempting to change his status for the past six months. His attempts included requesting a meeting with an IDF mental health officer (Kaban), but was denied. He also previously asked for meetings with commanders, but did not receive a response.
The IDF corroborated the event, stating that “an IDF soldier was moderately injured at a military base in the south of the country. The soldier was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, and his family was notified. Following the incident, an investigation was opened by the Military Police, and upon its completion, the findings will be referred to the military prosecution for review.”
Soldier’s sister comments publicly
G’s sister posted about the event on her personal Instagram page over the weekend.
“He always wanted to contribute. He wanted to serve the country. He had insane motivation, for everything,” she wrote.
“30% of his body covered, third-degree burns. His head, face, ears, chest, back, and hands. He is in intensive care. He is fighting for his life. And we ask, how could something like this happen to a soldier in the IDF? Share. Let him be recognized. Let the truth be known,” she concluded.
