A Pardon at the Expense of the Kingdom
President Isaac Herzog granted a pardon to Elor Azaria, a controversial move that raises ethical, institutional, and international questions. The article argues that the pardon undermines the rule of law, the authority of the military justice system, and Israel's international standing, especially given the Chief of Staff's opposition and the sensitive timing ahead of elections.
President Isaac Herzog granted a pardon to Elor Azaria, a soldier convicted of killing a wounded terrorist in Hebron in 2016. The move, which shortened Azaria's criminal record period, has sparked public and political uproar. The article argues that the decision is not merely a personal matter but carries broad public, ethical, and institutional significance. The author notes that the Chief of Staff opposed the move, and that the pardon could erode the status of the military prosecution, especially in light of the Sde Teiman affair. Furthermore, it is argued that the pardon harms Israel's international standing, which relies on the 'principle of complementarity' and the claim that its institutions enforce international law. The timing, just before elections, raises further questions, as the Supreme Court recently ruled that governmental decisions should be made with restraint during this period. The author argues that the president, who is supposed to be a statesmanlike figure, should have shown restraint and postponed the decision until after the elections. The article concludes by questioning whether the broader implications for the IDF, the legal system, and Israel's international standing were considered.