President Herzog clears Elor Azaria’s criminal record

President Isaac Herzog has approved Elor Azaria’s request to clear the remainder of his criminal record, the President’s Residence announced Saturday night, saying the decision would allow the former IDF soldier to “open a new chapter in his life.”

The announcement follows a request submitted by Defense Minister Israel Katz in July, urging Herzog to clear Azaria’s record.

Azaria, a former IDF sergeant, was convicted of manslaughter after fatally shooting an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in Hebron in 2016. He completed the sentence imposed on him in the case.

“After many years during which Azaria has borne the consequences of his actions, the president believes that the totality of the circumstances, the passage of time and the remorse he has expressed justify allowing him to open a new chapter in his life,” the President’s Residence said.

The statement added that the decision reflected “the importance of rehabilitation, reconciliation and the ability to move forward,” as well as the “spirit of the season of mercy and forgiveness among the people of Israel.”

Among the factors considered were the length of time since the incident, Azaria’s completion of his sentence, the expiration of the statutory period associated with the offenses, changes in his personal and family circumstances and the employment barriers created by his criminal record.

In his request, Azaria said he respected the IDF’s values and wished to raise his two young children according to them. He also expressed regret over the serious consequences of the case, according to the statement.

Herzog additionally considered medical difficulties faced by Azaria’s family and the changes in his life since the incident.

The President’s Residence stressed that the decision does not challenge the original legal proceedings or amount to a reconsideration of the case.

“The president views the military justice system as an essential means of upholding the rule of law, the IDF’s values and principles, and particularly the principle of purity of arms,” the statement said. “The institution of pardon is an act of mercy, not an appeals court.”

It added that Azaria had made clear in his request that he did not intend to reopen the case.

“In light of these considerations, and taking into account the positions presented by the relevant officials in the past and at present, President Herzog accepted Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recommendation to immediately shorten the period of Elor Azaria’s criminal record,” the President’s Residence said.

Katz welcomed the decision, calling it “correct, humane and appropriate.”

“A decade later, after serving his sentence and paying a heavy personal and family price, the time has come to allow him to leave the past behind, rebuild his life and shape his future,” Katz said.

“Granting the pardon sends an important message to IDF soldiers and their families: We do not abandon our fighters or leave them behind.”