Elor Azaria, the IDF soldier who shot and killed a wounded terrorist in Hebron, was released from prison on Tuesday morning and has returned to his home in Ramle.
On March 24, 2016, an Arab terrorist stabbed and wounded an IDF soldier stationed in Hebron. The terrorist was shot and neutralized by other IDF soldiers, but not killed.
A short time later, IDF medic Elor Azaria shot the terrorist in the head. Azaria claimed he believed the terrorist, who was still moving, posed a threat.
The event sparked widespread debate in Israel on the rules of engagement and the ethics of killing a terrorist.
On January 4, 2017, Azaria was convicted of manslaughter by an IDF military court, and was sentenced to 18 months, which was reduced to 12 months for good behavior.
Reacting to to the news of Azaria’s release, Prime Minister Netanayhu, who is currently visiting in Cyprus to discuss advancing a regional gas pipeline, said that he is happy that this thing is over.
Azaria was originally scheduled to be released on Thursday, but it was moved up to today so he could go to his brother’s wedding on Wednesday.
Azaria’s mother only learned of the early release this morning, when Elor was already on his way home. The entire family is overjoyed.