The legal action stems from a 2016 incident in the Old City of Hebron where Azaria killed Abdel Fattah al-Sharif in view of other soldiers. The subsequent circulation of the video triggered a trial and widespread global condemnation. President Isaac Herzog cited Azaria's regret and time served as the primary basis for the expungement.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
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President Isaac Herzog Erases Criminal Record of Soldier Elor Azaria Against Military Advice
World32 days ago
A presidential decree issued before the Yom Kippur holiday wipes the manslaughter conviction of Elor Azaria from official files. The decision follows a recommendation from Defense Minister Israel Katz to grant the former IDF soldier a "fresh start" after his 2016 shooting of an incapacitated Palestinian in Hebron. Israel's Army Chief of Staff and other military commanders opposed the move to erase the soldier's criminal history.
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