Israel Pardons Soldier Convicted in 2017 Hebron Shooting

President Isaac Herzog pardoned ex-combat medic Elor Azaria on 19 September 2026, on Defence Minister Israel Katz's recommendation. Azaria was convicted of manslaughter — unlawful killing — in 2017 for shooting dead wounded, unarmed Palestinian attacker Abdel Fattah al-Sharif in Hebron. Herzog cited time passed and nearing Yom Kippur, Judaism's day of atonement, saying it does not reassess the case.