The IDF military court that found Sgt. Elor Azariya guilty of manslaughter is expected to announce its sentence on Tuesday, 25 Shevat. Azariya fired at a wounded terrorist in Hebron last Purim, at close range, killing him.

The trial has divided the nation as many feel that not only should he not be charged with a crime, but he should have received a citation for his actions – neutralizing the threat. Opponents state the terrorist was neutralized, already shot, and shooting him at close range was simply an unjustifiable execution.

The military prosecutor is asking for a 3-to-5-year jail term without taking the time served during the trial into account as well as lowering his rank back to private.

The defense feels the sentence should be a maximum of two years while deducting the time served during the trial. Azariya was confined to base during his trial but not actually incarcerated, which is why the prosecution does not feel this time should be deducted from his sentence.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)