Sgt. Elor Azariya on Sunday, 18 Tammuz testified in his manslaughter trial. It was the first time the court heard what he has to say as during previous weeks, the prosecution presented its case. He will continue giving testimony on Monday and Tuesday.

Azariya explained to the court “I understood there was a real immediate danger to the lives of people in the area”.

He explained he was resting in full uniform as they were on-call and at some point he was called as a medic, informed they must respond immediately. He got on his vest and grabbed his weapon as he and others responded. He was confused and ran to the IDF post at Admat Yishai (Tel Rumeida) where they told him an attack had occurred and that fellow soldier Ofir had been stabbed. He explained this was the first wounded person he worked on and everything took place very quickly, adding he did not even put on gloves.

Azariya added “Then we heard screams from someone ‘be careful he has a bomb on him. No one touch him or go near him’” referring to the wounded terrorist. he testified the terrorist was wearing a black jacket, which for him was a sign he was hiding something under it since it was too hot for a jacket. He approached the terrorist and from a distance of 7-10 meters, fired a single shot to the terrorist’s head to neutralize the threat.

Azariya added the commanders in the area were not acting as they should, prompting him to believe they feared the terrorist might grab the knife near him and begin stabbing people again. He continued by explaining Admat Yishai and the area they were serving in cannot be compared to Tel Aviv, citing numerous attacks have occurred and there are always tensions and conflict between the Jews and Palestinians in Hebron.

The defense plans to introduce additional witnesses in addition to Azariya including former high-ranking officers as the trial continues.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)