Katz Praises Herzog's Pardon for Elor Azaria

President Isaac Herzog signed an order Saturday night shortening the criminal record expungement period for Elor Azaria, the former IDF soldier convicted of manslaughter in a 2016 incident in Hebron. The decision came after Herzog reviewed all circumstances of the case and considerations related to the request, in the spirit of the Days of Awe and forgiveness in the Jewish calendar, on the eve of Yom Kippur.

Defense Minister Israel Katz responded warmly to the clemency: "I commend President Isaac Herzog for his decision to accept my recommendation to pardon Elor Azaria and expunge his criminal record. On the eve of Yom Kippur, this is the right, humane, and proper decision, expressing the spirit of forgiveness and the possibility of turning over a new page."

Katz emphasized that "Elor served as an outstanding combat soldier and medic in the Kfir Brigade and was caught up in an incident during complex operational activity. After a decade, after serving his sentence and paying a heavy personal and family price, the time has come to allow him to leave the past behind, rehabilitate his life, and build his future."

The President's Office explained that after many years during which Azaria bore the consequences of his actions, the president believes that the totality of circumstances, the passage of time, and the regret he expressed justify allowing him to turn a new page in his life. The decision was also made in the spirit of these days and out of belief in the importance of repair, reconciliation, and the ability to move forward.

Several considerations underpin the president's decision: the significant time that has passed since the affair, the fact that he served the sentence imposed on him, the statute of limitations on the offenses he committed having long since expired, his personal and family circumstances that have changed over the years, and his desire to remove the barriers currently facing him in employment and to open a new chapter in his life.

In his appeal to President Herzog, Azaria explicitly emphasized that he respects the IDF's values and they are dear to him, and today, as a father of two young children, he wishes to educate them in light of these values. In his appeal, he expressed regret over the severe consequences of the affair.

President Isaac Herzog (Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Defense Minister Katz was the one who submitted an official pardon request to the president during July. In his letter to the president, he emphasized that "it is unreasonable that a decade later, an outstanding soldier convicted of an offense committed during his operational service should continue to pay a heavy price." According to him, "this sends a negative message to our sons and daughters who are sent to face danger and serve in combat units and dangerous places."

Katz noted in his letter that consideration should be given to Azaria's service as an outstanding combat soldier and medic in the Kfir Brigade, the circumstances of the incident that occurred during complex operational activity, and the heavy personal, family, and public price he has paid over the years. He also highlighted Azaria's efforts to rehabilitate himself, establish a family, and reintegrate into the workforce.

The defense minister concluded his remarks with a clear message: "Granting the pardon sends an important message to IDF soldiers and their families: we do not abandon soldiers and we do not leave them behind. Elor, I strengthen you and your family and wish you a gmar chatimah tovah and a year of new beginnings."