Israeli Minister Calls for Exonerated Soldier's Return to IDF, Netanyahu Pardon

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised President Isaac Herzog's decision to shorten the criminal record deletion period for Elor Azaria, a former IDF soldier convicted of manslaughter. Ben-Gvir urged Herzog to go further, suggesting Azaria be allowed to re-enlist in the IDF if he wishes, and also called for a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The President's decision shortens the time Azaria's criminal record remains active but does not overturn his conviction or sentence for killing a Palestinian assailant in Hebron in 2016. The military's top brass, including then-Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and Head of Manpower, had opposed Azaria's request for record deletion, citing a lack of remorse. Defense Minister Israel Katz, however, supported the move in July.

Ben-Gvir, a long-time supporter of Azaria, framed the President's decision as a correction of a past injustice. He argued that Azaria acted against a terrorist and that shortening his record is a significant step. The military court had ruled that Azaria shot the assailant, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, after he was already down and no longer a threat.

Ben-Gvir's call for Azaria's return to military service is a political statement, as the IDF has not indicated any intention to consider it. This request is notable given the IDF's previous opposition to leniency for Azaria. Ben-Gvir also criticized the rules of engagement in place at the time of the incident, suggesting they contributed to the controversy.

Furthermore, Ben-Gvir linked Azaria's case to Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, claiming the charges against the Prime Minister are "tailored" and "crumbling." He urged Herzog to grant Netanyahu a pardon, arguing the trial harms the country. Netanyahu faces charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery, all of which he denies. His trial is ongoing, with defense witnesses scheduled to testify into 2026.