Herzog Shortens Elor Azaria's Criminal-Record Period With Immediate Effect

President Isaac Herzog signed an order shortening with immediate effect the remaining period before Elor Azaria's criminal record is deleted. Herzog cited the time elapsed since the offense, completion of Azaria's sentence, expiration of the offense's limitation period, changed personal and family circumstances, family medical difficulties and employment barriers. The President's Residence said Herzog accepted Defense Minister Israel Katz's recommendation, noting that Azaria is now a father of two and had expressed respect for IDF values and regret over the affair's consequences. It stressed that clemency is mercy rather than an appeal and that the decision does not reopen or undermine the military judicial proceeding.