Netanyahu: Court will take into account all circumstances surrounding Hebron soldier

“As a father of a soldier and the prime minister I want to say again that the the IDF backs up its soldiers.”

By HERB KEINON
Updated: APRIL 20, 2016 05:41
Singapore's PM Lee embarks on historic visit to Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday he is certain the court martial tribunal hearing the case against Elor Azaria for the shooting of a neutralized terrorist in Hebron last month will take into account all circumstances surrounding the incident.
Netanyahu’s comments came at the start of a meeting with visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong where he discussed the issue publicly for the second time in less than 18 hours, reflecting the passions being aroused by the manslaughter indictment against Azaria.
“As a father of a soldier and the prime minister, I want to say again that the IDF backs up its soldiers,” he said. “In my familiarity with the military justice system, I am convinced that the court will consider all circumstances regarding the incident.”
Netanyahu repeated what he said Monday night at an event marking 85 years since the founding of the Irgun. “Our soldiers are not murderers.
They act against murderers, and I hope that the way will be found to balance between the action and the overall context of the incident,” he said.
In the meantime, he added, everyone should reduce the strident tenor of the debate over the issue.