Since he shot a terrorist lying on the ground in Hebron in March 2016, the image of Elor Azaria, it seems, has dropped from the headlines. He got married, opened a cafe, and shone here and there at special events. Today (Thursday) it is published on N12 that Azaria submitted an application to the Ministry of Defense in which he seeks to erase his criminal past.
The IDF opposes, Gantz will accept his position
According to N12, the request was forwarded to the IDF, which presented an unequivocal position not to approve the request and also forwarded its conclusion to Defense Minister Gantz. As of this time, Gantz has not yet responded, but he is expected to ‘accept the army’s recommendation, and recommend to President Herzog not to pardon the Azaria It will be recalled that President Rivlin also rejected a similar request by Azaria.
Gantz visits the IDF base | Photo: Ariel Harmoni / Ministry of Defense
Recall that Azaria did not regret his act, and claimed that he would return to it again. “I am completely at peace with myself. I acted properly. I followed my truth. I acted the right way, and none of what happened should have happened. I have no regrets,” he repeats over and over, “I have no doubts. Give me back now For those seconds in the incident in Hebron – I act exactly the same. Because that’s how I should have acted,” he said in an interview after his release.
In the background of the request is also Herzog’s plan to expand the amnesties that he has the authority to grant. As part of the policy, towards the country’s 75th year, the use of the amnesty authority will be wider than usual. Special weight will be given to personal and family circumstances, and to rehabilitation processes in relation to amnesty applicants aged 75 and over, the disabled of the IDF and the security systems, including combat veterans and those who have made a unique contribution to the security of the state.