Defense Minister Israel Katz Moves to Clear Elor Azaria's Criminal Record
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
First reported by Now 14 · Jun 29, 2026
What happened
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz is set to recommend erasing former soldier Elor Azaria's criminal record, a decade after Azaria was convicted for killing a terrorist in Hebron. Azaria has petitioned for the record's removal since 2022, citing its negative impact on his civilian life. Katz has initiated consultations with military officials to support the recommendation to President Isaac Herzog.
- 01Defense Minister Israel Katz plans to recommend erasing Elor Azaria's criminal record.
- 02Azaria was convicted for killing a terrorist in Hebron in 2016 and served a prison sentence.
- 03Azaria petitioned President Herzog in 2022 to remove his criminal record.
- 04Katz recently received a detailed letter from Azaria explaining his request.
- 05Azaria's criminal record hinders his civilian life and job prospects.
- 06Katz is consulting IDF officials to finalize his recommendation.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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