Elor Azaryah To Eizenkat: “Had I Known I Would Not Have Shot”

Just 4 days after his request for a repeal was denied, Elor Azaryah and his family have decided not to re-appeal to the supreme court. Instead, Azaryah is turning to Chief of staff general Gadi Eisenkat, with a request to ease the sentence.

Elor Azaryah, who is being charged with shooting and killing a wounded terrorist in Chevron, wrote to general Eizenkat explaining his situation. “I want to clarify that I did not know in advance what turned out to be in the end, meaning; that on the body of the terrorist there was no explosives”.

Azaryah also clarified that he will not be re-appealing to the high court. “As well, I want to clarify that I do not intend to re-appeal to the high court”.

In his letter, Azaryah further wrote, “my family fell apart, everyone is hurting and are not able to successfully to resume daily life because of the situation. I am set to continue my life with a big stain, with a conviction in the ‘manslaughter’ clause- which will harm me.

I am asking that you accede to my request and convert the prison sentence imposed on me, to a sentence which can be served with communal service. I wish to return to normal life, to rebuild my life and my family’s life, with the aim of healing the shards”.

The decision not to submit an appeal to the supreme court, was made after much deliberation and consultation with his family; the main reason being, Elor wishes to save his family additional suffering and aggravation an appeal would definitely bring along with it.

As well, the over a year of court proceedings has taken a toll on him and his family, and all he wishes to do is resume normal life once again.

The saga began last year Purim when two terrorists, residents of Chevron, approached an IDF position near the Tel Rumedei neighborhood in Chevron, armed with knives.
The two stabbed a soldier from the ‘Shimshon brigade’, lightly wounding him in the hand and shoulder. The soldier and his commander, who was also present at the scene, opened fire at the terrorists instantly killing one of them and critically injuring the other.

A few minutes later a backup force arrived on the scene, among them was sergeant Elor Azaryah an army medic. During the initial minutes following the incident rumors went around that one of the terrorists had a bomb strapped to his body.

According Azaryah’s testimony, the commanding officer on the scene ordered one of the soldiers to open fire at the terrorist if he moved in a bizarre manor. In the clip that went viral, Azaryah can be seen exchanging a few words with a fellow soldier, then cocking his gun and shooting the terrorist in the head.

An investigation was opened into the incident, and after lengthy court hearings, Azaryah was charged with manslaughter and inappropriate conduct. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and as stated, is now requesting that his sentence be lessened.

Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!