Tel Aviv: (RightNow) Israeli President Isaac Herzog has pardoned former soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of killing Palestinian Abdul Fattah al-Sharif. The decision was made under presidential powers.

According to Arab media, the incident occurred in 2016 in Hebron. The Palestinian citizen was shot dead while injured. Despite the pardon, human rights advocates express anger and concern.

The Israeli court rejected the soldier’s defense and sentenced him. Azaria served 9 months in prison and was released in 2018. Now, the remaining sentence has been pardoned.

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressed happiness over President Herzog’s decision. He had previously protested in favor of the soldier, stating the decision is justified.

It is noteworthy that the Israeli minister has also demanded the dismissal of corruption cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for the annulment of his record.