The Unsettling Pattern of Amnesty for Israeli Soldiers

The pardon granted to Elor Azaria by President Isaac Herzog has reignited a heated debate about accountability and justice in Israel’s military courts. On its surface, this decision may seem like an isolated incident, but it reveals a disturbing pattern that raises questions about the Israeli government’s commitment to upholding human rights.

In March 2016, Azaria shot Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, a wounded Palestinian who had already been incapacitated by Israeli troops. The incident sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from around the world, with many labeling it an “extrajudicial execution” and a “war crime.” After serving just nine months of his 18-month sentence, Azaria was released from prison and is now eligible for full pardon.

What’s striking about this case is not only the leniency shown to Azaria but also the timing of Herzog’s decision. The pardon comes after Defense Minister Israel Katz requested it in July, suggesting that this is part of a broader effort by the Israeli government to rewrite the narrative around its military actions.

Azaria’s conviction was seen as a rare instance of accountability within Israel’s military. His later release and now-pending full pardon send a chilling signal that even those who commit serious human rights abuses may be let off scot-free. This pattern is not new; in 2014, Sergeant Elad Regba shot an unarmed Palestinian protester and was acquitted.

The international community has long criticized Israel’s military courts for their lack of transparency and accountability. The UN human rights office has repeatedly highlighted the culture of impunity that pervades these institutions. By granting Azaria a pardon, Herzog is endorsing this status quo and signaling to the world that Israel’s military will not be held accountable for its actions.

This development also raises questions about the impact on Israeli society as a whole. When soldiers like Azaria are let off with little more than a slap on the wrist, what message does it send to the next generation of Israelis? That their actions have consequences or that they can act with impunity and still be celebrated by the state?

Abdel Fattah al-Sharif’s family has been left to pick up the pieces after his brutal murder. His mother, Alaa Abu Aisha, has spoken out about the trauma inflicted on their family and the lack of justice they’ve received.

In granting Azaria a pardon, Herzog is rewriting history and perpetuating a cycle of violence that will only continue to fuel tensions in the region. It’s time for the Israeli government to take a hard look at its military courts and acknowledge the need for real accountability. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles of justice and human rights.

The United States, which has been vocal about human rights abuses in Israel, should also take note of this development. The Biden administration’s decision to bar Azaria from entering the country was a welcome step towards holding Israeli officials accountable for their actions. Now, as Herzog navigates this sensitive issue, he must demonstrate that justice is truly served and not just used as a tool for PR spin.

Ultimately, the pardon of Elor Azaria serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in resolving conflicts between different cultures and faiths. It’s a painful lesson that requires ongoing dialogue and engagement from all parties involved. But until that happens, we can expect more instances like this to pop up, each one a harsh reminder of our failure to learn from history.

The ball is now firmly in Herzog’s court. Will he choose to uphold the principles of justice and human rights or succumb to the pressures of politics? Only time will tell.