Israel's president has pardoned Elor Azaria, a former combat medic convicted of manslaughter for fatally shooting a badly wounded Palestinian attacker in the occupied West Bank, reviving a case that split Israeli public opinion.
Key facts
- Israel's president pardoned former combat medic Elor Azaria.
- Azaria was convicted of manslaughter in 2017 for shooting a wounded Palestinian who had stabbed a soldier.
- The shooting took place in the occupied West Bank in 2016.
- Azaria served two-thirds of an 18-month sentence before his release.
- The Palestinian had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops when he was shot, according to Al Jazeera.
Israel’s president has pardoned Elor Azaria, a combat medic who shot dead a badly wounded Palestinian attacker who had stabbed a soldier in the occupied West Bank, according to the Guardian. The case divided the country a decade ago and its resolution has again drawn attention to the conduct of Israeli soldiers.
Azaria was convicted of manslaughter in 2017. According to the Guardian, his conviction and his release after serving two-thirds of his 18-month sentence drew enormous attention in Israel, where military service is compulsory for most Jewish men.
The incident that led to the conviction occurred in 2016. According to Al Jazeera, Azaria shot a Palestinian who had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops, a detail that made the case especially controversial.
The Guardian reported that the case continues to divide Israeli society. The debate has centred on questions about the rules of engagement for soldiers and the treatment of attackers who have already been subdued.
The pardon marks the latest development in a case that has been closely followed since the shooting. Both the Guardian and Al Jazeera described the case as controversial and one that stirred strong reactions across the country.
Why it matters
The pardon reopens a debate over how Israeli soldiers treat wounded or incapacitated attackers, and where the limits of the use of force lie. Because military service is compulsory for most Jewish men in Israel, cases involving soldiers' conduct carry particular national significance and can sharply divide public opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Elor Azaria?
Elor Azaria is a former Israeli combat medic who was convicted of manslaughter in 2017 for shooting dead a badly wounded Palestinian who had stabbed a soldier in the occupied West Bank in 2016.
What sentence did Azaria serve?
According to the Guardian, Azaria was released after serving two-thirds of his 18-month sentence.
Why was the case controversial?
According to Al Jazeera, the Palestinian Azaria shot had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops, and the Guardian reports the case continues to divide Israel.