The IDF has decided it cannot grant Elor Azaria's request to expunge his criminal record, according to a military statement. The position was forwarded to Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The IDF on Tuesday rejected former soldier Elor Azaria's request to expunge his criminal record, forwarding its position to Defense Minister Israel Katz. The military stated that no circumstances justify granting the request, a decision made by the Military Advocate General, the Manpower Directorate, and the Chief of Staff.
Earlier today, at 11:13 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported a series of developments in Azaria's case. Defense Minister Katz formally asked President Isaac Herzog to pardon Azaria for his 2017 manslaughter conviction. The IDF immediately opposed the request, citing no change in circumstances. Katz then submitted a formal opinion supporting expungement, followed by a formal request to the president. By 11:13 Jerusalem, the IDF had finalized its opposition, concluding that Azaria's circumstances do not warrant expungement.
Azaria was convicted in 2017 of manslaughter for shooting a wounded Palestinian assailant in Hebron, a case that deeply divided Israeli public opinion. He served nine months of an 18-month sentence. The IDF's stance reaffirms its position that the request does not warrant a departure from standard procedure.
No timeline for a decision by the defense minister was given. Azaria's legal team has not yet commented.
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