Trial of Israeli Soldier Who Shot Neutralized Palestinian Resumes

After more than a month-long break, the defense is bringing witnesses in the case of Sgt. Elor Azaria, a combat medic who was indicted for manslaughter after he was filmed shooting a Palestinian attacker who had already been neutralized. The defense called Lt. Col Eliyahu Liebman, the security officer for the Jewish community in the West Bank city of Hebron, who told the court that he had witnessed other cases of terrorists being shot after they were no longer an immediate threat. “In (terrorist incidents) I’ve witnessed, I’ve seen fighters shoot the terrorists’ central mass until they were neutralized, and then a bullet to the head to make sure that the terrorist can’t (explode) a suicide vest or continue the attack. These fighters didn’t end up in the courtroom.” Azaria has claimed that he fired out of fear that the attacker, who was lying on the ground, still posed a threat. The cases has been controversial in Israel, with some claiming that Azaria is being persecuted for trying to keep civilians safe, while others say that the case is an important signal to soldiers that they must obey the rules of engagement. Before becoming Defense Minister, hardline politician Avigdor Lieberman had expressed his support of Azaria. Several senior officers have already testified for the prosecution. In June, one officer told the court that he did not believe the terrorist posed a threat.