Israel’s president pardons soldier who killed wounded Palestinian in 2016

Elor Azaria had shot a Palestinian who had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops, in controversial case.Published On 19 Sep 202619 Sep 2026Israeli President Isaac Herzog has expunged the criminal record of a former soldier convicted of manslaughter for killing a wounded Palestinian in Hebron a decade ago.Herzog announced on Saturday that he had shortened the remaining erasure period on Elor Azaria’s record, effectively clearing it despite opposition from Israeli army Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Anger erupts over video of Palestinian shot by Israeli sniperlist 2 of 3Israeli soldier filmed killing Palestinian released from prisonlist 3 of 3Slain Palestinian’s family not surprised by unrepentant Azariaend of listThe military had opposed the move.In a letter to the defence minister, Zamir and other senior officers said Azaria “has refrained from expressing remorse and taking responsibility for his actions, even a decade after his conviction”.The president’s office said it had taken the military’s position into account but decided the circumstances justified allowing Azaria to “open a new chapter in his life”.Azaria, ...