From The Conversation · Tamir Sorek · · 1m 30s
Israeli Soldier Pardoned After Killing Palestinian
Israeli president pardons soldier who killed wounded Palestinian, revealing a century-long pattern of leniency for such acts.
In brief
Israeli president pardons soldier who killed wounded Palestinian, revealing a century-long pattern of leniency for such acts. Israeli president pardoned Elor Azaria, a soldier who killed a wounded Palestinian in 2016, showing a long history of clemency for soldiers who kill Palestinians. Originally reported by The…
Elor Azaria pardoned
Israeli president Isaac Herzog pardoned Elor Azaria, a former soldier convicted of killing a wounded Palestinian in the occupied West Bank.
Azaria's conviction
Azaria was convicted of manslaughter in 2017 after shooting dead a Palestinian armed with knives in Hebron on March 24, 2016.
Pardoning decision
Herzog's office cited Azaria's sorrow, years passed, and Yom Kippur as reasons for the pardon on Sept. 19, 2026.
Historical precedent
A pattern of leniency for soldiers killing Palestinians dates back to Israel's founding, with early cases like Shmuel Lahis in 1950.
Kafr Qasim massacre
In 1956, Israeli troops killed 47 Palestinians in Kafr Qasim, leading to convictions and early releases by 1960.
Military court outcomes
Since 1987, only 12 soldiers were indicted for killing Palestinians, with none convicted of murder in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Pardoning pattern
The pardon shows how clemency for soldiers killing Palestinians has been a state practice for nearly 80 years.
Human rights concern
Human rights groups warn the pardon demonstrates the Israeli justice system's inability to enforce laws against soldiers harming Palestinians.
Long-term consequence
The pardon signals that killing Palestinians is forgivable, reinforcing a pattern that has persisted for decades.
The key point
Israeli president pardoned Elor Azaria, a soldier who killed a wounded Palestinian in 2016, showing a long history of clemency for soldiers who kill Palestinians.
