Katz Asks Herzog to Erase Elor Azaria's Criminal Record

Defense Minister Israel Katz formally asked President Isaac Herzog to erase Elor Azaria's criminal record by shortening the remaining deletion period. Katz said Azaria completed his prison sentence in 2018, the statutory limitation period has passed, and the request concerns only shortening the deletion period rather than canceling the sentence. His letter cited Azaria's service as a Kfir Brigade combat medic, the operational circumstances of the 2016 Hebron incident, the personal and family costs he has borne, and his efforts to build a family and return to work. Katz said granting the request would reflect rehabilitation after Azaria had borne the consequences of his actions for years.