BREAKING NEWS

President Rivlin rejects Hebron shooter Azaria's appeal

President Reuven Rivlin decided on Sunday to reject Hebron shooter Elor Azaria's request for a pardon.
Rivlin's office released a statement on the matter: "The president has taken into account the offenses you committed and their circumstances... and he has decided to reject the request."
Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman sent a letter to the president two weeks ago asking him to pardon Azaria, a former IDF combat medic, who was jailed for killing an incapacitated terrorist near Hebron.
Azaria was found guilty of manslaughter by a military court in January for killing Palestinian attacker Abdel Fatah al-Sharif in Hebron on March 24, 2016. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 12 months’ suspended sentence after serving that term and was demoted to the rank of private in February.
Videos of the incident show Azaria shooting the incapacitated terrorist lying on the ground. Azaria claimed his shots were in self-defense, fearing a possible knife attack or concealed explosive.
The case garnered a great deal of attention both in Israel and worldwide.