Cyprus News Agency

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz commented on President Isaac Herzog’s decision to accept his recommendation to pardon Elor Azaria and expunge his criminal record.

Katz said the decision taken on the eve of Yom Kippur reflected a spirit of forgiveness and the opportunity to make a fresh start in life, adding: “I appreciate President Isaac Herzog’s decision to accept my recommendation to pardon Elor Azaria and expunge his criminal record.”

Noting that Azaria served as a distinguished combat soldier and combat medic in the Kfir Brigade, Katz said: “After ten years — having served his sentence and paid a heavy price both personally and together with his family — the time has come to allow him to leave the past behind, rebuild his life and shape his future.”

Katz said the pardon sends an important message to combat soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their families, adding: “We will never abandon our fighters or leave them behind.”