Defense Minister Katz Praises President Herzog's Pardon for Elor Azaria

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday evening welcomed President Isaac Herzog's decision to expunge the criminal record of former IDF soldier Elor Azaria. The President's move, made shortly before Yom Kippur, allows Azaria to move forward with his life.

Katz stated that he had recommended the pardon to the President and called the decision "correct, humane, and worthy," embodying the spirit of forgiveness and the chance for a fresh start. He noted that Azaria served as an outstanding combat medic in the Kfir Brigade and was involved in a complex operational incident. After a decade, having served his sentence and paid a heavy personal and familial price, Katz believes it is time for Azaria to leave the past behind, rebuild his life, and construct his future.

The Defense Minister emphasized that granting the pardon sends an important message to IDF soldiers and their families: "We do not abandon soldiers and do not leave them behind." He offered words of encouragement to Azaria and his family, wishing them a meaningful conclusion to the High Holidays and a year of new beginnings.

Azaria was convicted by a military court of manslaughter for the 2016 killing of a terrorist who had stabbed another soldier in Hebron. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The incident occurred while Azaria was serving in the area. Now, a decade after the event, Azaria can pursue his life without a criminal record.