Israeli Minister Calls for Netanyahu Pardon After Azaria's Record Cleared

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reacted Saturday evening to President Isaac Herzog's decision to expunge the criminal record of former IDF soldier Elor Azaria, urging the president to also pardon Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben-Gvir, who previously demonstrated in support of Azaria, expressed his joy at the decision to clear the record of the soldier who killed a terrorist, stating it "should not have been there in the first place" if the rules of engagement had been different. He also called on the IDF Chief of Staff to allow Azaria to rejoin the army and wear the uniform again if he wishes.

President Herzog signed off on shortening the period for Azaria's criminal record expungement, acceding to a request from Defense Minister Israel Katz. The decision was made during the Jewish High Holy Days, with the president citing the circumstances, passage of time, and Azaria's expressed remorse as reasons to allow him a fresh start.

However, Ben-Gvir extended his remarks, calling on President Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu as well. Ben-Gvir asserted that the "tailored cases" against Netanyahu are baseless and crumbling in court, urging the president to "put an end to this injustice" and "end this saga once and for all."

Ben-Gvir's call for Netanyahu's pardon comes amid reported tensions between the two, with Ben-Gvir having recently revealed that Netanyahu was not responding to his calls, marking a deterioration in their relationship after two years of close cooperation.

The Elor Azaria affair previously ignited a significant public controversy. Azaria was convicted of killing a wounded terrorist in Hebron and sentenced to 18 months in military prison. His appeal was rejected, and after serving his sentence, the presidential expungement will allow him to move forward without the hindrances of a criminal record. Notably, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman had previously supported Azaria, suggesting a clemency request to the Chief of Staff instead of an appeal to the Supreme Court.