An Israeli military court on Sunday rejected the appeal of Elor Azaria the Hevron soldier who was jailed for 18 months for killing a wounded terrorist who stabbed and severely wounded an IDF soldier.
Sergeant Azaria, an army combat medic, was found guilty of manslaughter at the beginning of the the year after he was recorded on video fatally shooting a terrorist who had attacked and severely wounded a soldier with a knife.Azaria’s military commanders condemned his actions, but many others praised them.
After today’s appeal was denied, ministers from the Likud party called on President Reuven Rivlin to pardon Azaria.
“After 18 months of turmoil, it is time to pardon Elor Azaria. For the sake of our soldiers stationed on the frontlines, and so as not to lose our morale, Elor Azaria must be returned home.” said MK Naftali Bennett
“After the Halamish murders, it is important to remember who the good guys are and who the bad guys are…A soldier who kills a terrorist is not a criminal.” said Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely.
Minister of Defense Avigdor Liberman said: “I have no doubt that the Chief of Staff will consider his difficult circumstances and of his history of being an exemplary soldier.”
