Israel’s president pardons soldier who killed wounded Palestinian in 2016
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has pardoned former soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter for killing an incapacitated Palestinian in 2016. The decision to expunge his criminal record comes despite opposition from military leadership, who cited a lack of remorse from the former medic.
Why it matters
The pardon highlights ongoing internal tensions in Israel regarding military conduct, accountability, and the political divide over the treatment of Palestinian detainees.
Elor Azaria had shot a Palestinian who had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops, in controversial case.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Palestinians in Hebron hold placards against Israeli Sergeant Elor Azaria, who shot and killed an injured Palestinian man (seen in picture on right) [Abed al Hashlamoun/EPA] By Heba Habib and AFP Published On 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 Israeli 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.
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