IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott has announced that if he wishes to apply, he will give a request for a reduced sentence for Elor Azariya serious consideration.

On Sunday, 7 Av, the IDF Appeals Court upheld the conviction and sentence of the lower court, which found Elor Azariya guilty of manslaughter, sentencing him to 18 months imprisonment. Azariya’s attorney Yoram Sheftal has signaled he is considering appealing to the High Court of Justice.

Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotevely preempted and filed a request for a presidential pardon with President Reuven Rivlin back in Tammuz, hoping the president will see fit to pardon Azariya completely.

If the former IDF soldier is not pardoned, he will have to serve 18 months in prison following the conviction. IDF Chief Eizenkott stated, “If sergeant (reserves) Azariya chooses to submit a request for leniency, it will be seriously considered, while examining all the relevant considerations amid my commitment to the values of the IDF, its fighters and those serving”.

Eizenkott added, “The IDF fights terror in a determined, professional and ethical way. IDF forces, including soldiers from the Shimshon Battalion and the Kfir Brigade, stand day and night in a unique and exceptional challenge, and IDF commanders and I are full of admiration and pride for their achievements and the realization of missions in the face of an enemy. Sergeant (Res.) Elor Azaria is an IDF combat soldier who served like many of our soldiers at the forefront and took part in the common challenge of providing security to the citizens of the State of Israel. ”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)