The IDF spokesperson said Tuesday that after review by three military bodies, the military's position is that the circumstances do not warrant granting Elor Azaria's request to expunge his criminal record. The position has been forwarded to Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The IDF on Tuesday afternoon formally opposed the request to expunge former soldier Elor Azaria's criminal record, the military's spokesperson said. The decision follows a review by three military bodies — the Military Prosecution, the Manpower Directorate, and the Chief of Staff — and the position has been forwarded to Defense Minister Israel Katz. The announcement comes after a series of developments earlier today: at 11:13 Jerusalem, Defense Minister Katz submitted a formal pardon request to President Isaac Herzog, and the IDF's initial opposition was reported. The President's Residence said at 11:51 that it had not yet received the IDF assessments, and former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon expressed openness to the idea at 11:58.
The thread's evolution shows that the IDF's position was formulated early Tuesday, with the Chief of Staff and Personnel Directorate opposing the request due to lack of remorse and no change in circumstances. The Deputy Military Advocate General noted this is Azaria's third application. The reports at 11:13 came from multiple Israeli media outlets, and the IDF's subsequent formal statement has now provided the military's detailed reasoning. The President's Residence confirmed it had received Katz's opinion but awaited the IDF assessments.
As The Zioneer reported earlier, Ya'alon's statement added a notable voice from a figure who had opposed Azaria's actions at the time. The President's Residence has yet to receive the full IDF assessments, though the military's position is now public.
The decision now lies with Defense Minister Katz, who has already expressed support, and ultimately President Herzog, who has not yet responded. The IDF's opposition is clear, but the political echelon may overrule.
5 developments
- StrongKatz seeks swift IDF opinion on expunging Elor Azaria's criminal record
- DevelopingPresident's Residence says it has not yet received IDF assessments on Azaria record expungement request
- DevelopingDefense minister leans toward erasing Elor Azaria's criminal record, report says
- DevelopingYa'alon: 'Room to consider' expunging Elor Azaria's criminal record
Source and signal
- Internal intake