Israel’s president pardons soldier who killed wounded Palestinian in 2016

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has expunged the criminal record of former soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter for killing a wounded Palestinian in Hebron in 2016. Azaria shot Abdel Fattah al-Sharif in the head after al-Sharif had already been incapacitated by other Israeli troops. Despite opposition from the Israeli army Chief of Staff, who noted Azaria's lack of remorse, President Herzog stated the decision was made to allow Azaria to "open a new chapter in his life." The president's office cited the passage of time, completion of his sentence, and expressed remorse as reasons for the pardon, issued in the spirit of Yom Kippur. Azaria was released from prison in 2018 after serving part of his sentence.

Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, has pardoned combat medic Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian attacker in the occupied West Bank. The incident occurred in Hebron after the attacker had stabbed a soldier. Azaria was sentenced in 2017 and served two-thirds of his 18-month sentence. The pardon was made on the recommendation of Defense Minister Israel Katz, citing the time passed and the approaching Yom Kippur holiday. Azaria had previously described his action as an "operational error" and expressed sorrow. The military's chief of staff reportedly opposed the pardon. The case deeply divided Israeli society, with some supporting Azaria and others, including Palestinian officials and human rights groups, deeming his sentence too lenient.