The IDF Chief of Staff has opposed a request to expunge the criminal record of former soldier Elor Azaria, stating that Azaria refrained from expressing remorse, according to journalist Nir Dvori (N12). The position contrasts with that of Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The IDF Chief of Staff explicitly opposes a request to expunge the criminal record of former soldier Elor Azaria, citing Azaria's failure to express remorse, according to Nir Dvori (N12). The position, reported at 09:50 Jerusalem, puts the Chief of Staff at odds with Defense Minister Israel Katz, who supports the expungement.
The Zioneer reported earlier Tuesday that Defense Minister Katz formally submitted a request to expunge Azaria's record. Shortly after, the IDF expressed opposition to the request. The Chief of Staff, alongside the Head of the Manpower Directorate and the Military Advocate General, were then reported to oppose the move. The latest report specifies the Chief of Staff's reasoning.
The background to the case: The Zioneer reported earlier today that Katz also submitted a clemency petition to President Isaac Herzog. Azaria was convicted of manslaughter for shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in Hebron in 2016.
The request remains pending. The Chief of Staff's opposition is a recommendation; the final decision on expunging the record has not been announced.
8 developments
- DevelopingDefense minister leans toward erasing Elor Azaria's criminal record, report says
- StrongKatz seeks swift IDF opinion on expunging Elor Azaria's criminal record
- DevelopingDefense Minister Katz signs cancellation of Elor Azaria's criminal record; decision now to President
- StrongBitton Rosen: Chief of Staff made political decision on Azaria record, against defense minister
Source and signal
- Open-source intake