Pvt. Elor Azaria, who was convicted last year of manslaughter for fatally shooting an immobilized Palestinian terrorist in Hebron in 2016, deserves an early release from prison, according to a recommendation from the commander of the military prison where Azaria is serving out his sentence.
The recommendation, reported Thursday on Channel 20, argues that Azaria's behavior while in prison has been impeccable and that he meets all the criteria for early release.
"Throughout his prison sentence, Elor has behaved in an exemplary manner and as a result has been awarded a furlough every 28 days. He was granted his first furlough during his first month in prison," the recommendation says.
In two weeks, the parole board is due to convene and the presiding judge will make the final decision after hearing arguments in favor of and against Azaria's early release.
If the judge rules in favor of early release, Azaria will be immediately set free. Otherwise, Azaria is due to be released in three months' time, after having a third of his sentence commuted for good behavior.
After he was convicted for manslaughter in the Hebron shooting, Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He appealed to IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot and asked that his sentence be reduced. Eizenkot agreed to shorten his prison sentence to 14 months.
