Israeli Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria to Shorten Criminal Record

First reported by Now 14 · 2 hours ago

What happened

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has asked President Isaac Herzog to pardon Elor Azaria by shortening his criminal record, over a decade after Azaria's manslaughter conviction and prison sentence. Katz cited Azaria's military service, rehabilitation efforts, and the changed security context. The president's office awaits further security opinions before deciding.

• 01Defense Minister Israel Katz requests presidential pardon to shorten Elor Azaria's criminal record.
• 02Azaria served full prison sentence for manslaughter conviction from 2016 Hebron shooting.
• 03Katz cites Azaria's distinguished combat medic service and personal rehabilitation efforts.
• 04Request highlights changed security threats, including deadly October 7 terror attacks.
• 05President Herzog awaits additional security opinions before deciding on pardon.
• 06Azaria's criminal record still hinders his ability to fully reintegrate into society and work.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

Full coverage · 11 outlets

The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.

Kikar HaShabbatRight · Hebrew30 minutes ago

Israeli Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria to Shorten Criminal Record

YnetCenter · Hebrew34 minutes ago

IDF Chief and Personnel Chief Oppose Erasing Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

Now 14Right · Hebrew60 minutes ago

Top IDF Officials Oppose Defense Minister's Move to Erase Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

YnetCenter · Hebrew1 hour ago

Elor Azaria Requests Criminal Record Reduction, Defense Minister Provides Opinion

Now 14Right · Hebrew1 hour ago

Israeli President Awaits Additional Opinions Before Deciding on Elor Azaria's Clemency Request

Arutz ShevaRight · Hebrew1 hour ago

IDF Supports Elor Azaria's Request to Shorten Criminal Record Period

MakoCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon to Clear Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

N12Center · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Requests President Herzog to Expunge Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

Channel 13Center · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon to Expunge Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

YnetCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Katz Urges President Herzog to Shorten Alor Azaria’s Criminal Record Erasure Period

SrugimRight · Hebrew2 hours ago

Israeli Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria

Behadrei HaredimRight · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Katz Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria After a Decade

Kan NewsCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Requests Presidential Pardon for Elor Azaria

YnetCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Katz Requests Presidential Pardon to Expunge Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

WallaCenter · Hebrew2 hours ago

Israeli Defense Minister Requests Official Pardon to Expunge Elor Azaria’s Criminal Record

Now 14Right · Hebrew2 hours ago

Defense Minister Requests Early Expungement of Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

Related stories

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz Likely to Recommend Clearing Elor Azaria’s Criminal RecordJun 29, 2026Elor Azaria Faces Ongoing Legal Battle Over Criminal Record Despite Defense EffortsJul 2, 2026Israeli Minister Eliyahu Urges President Herzog to Pardon Netanyahu Amid Legal ControversyJun 30, 2026President Herzog Grants Partial Pardon to Former Manufacturers' Association Head Shraga Brosh6 days agoNetanyahu Seeks Pardon to End Trial and Unite Israel, Supports Judicial ReformJun 30, 2026Israeli Defense Minister Calls to Cancel Netanyahu Trial and Prosecute Those ResponsibleJun 29, 2026