A new poll has found that over half of the Israeli public believes the case against the soldier who shot a neutralized Palestinian terrorist in Hebron last month, should be closed, Israel Radio reported over the weekend.
The survey, conducted by the Rafi Smith Polling Institute, presented 500 Jews and Israeli Arabs over the age of 18 with the question, "What is your position on the Hebron shooting case-"
Some 62% of respondent said they believe the allegations against Kfir Brigade Sgt. Elor Azaria should be dismissed and that the case should be closed. Thirty-eight percent said they think his trial should proceed as scheduled.
Israel Radio did not say what the survey's statistical margin of error was.
Azaria faces manslaughter charges for shooting a Palestinian terrorist who was subdued, after he and another assailant failed to carry out a stabbing attack against Israeli troops patrolling one of Hebron's neighborhoods.
The Military Prosecution alleges Azaria's actions were unjustified, while the soldier's defense attorneys claim their client took action because he feared the terrorist had a hidden bomb.
If convicted, Azaria faces up to 20 years in prison.
Azaria, who was remanded to detention on his base for the duration of the legal proceedings in his case, was granted a 48-hour leave on Friday, so he could be with his family for the Passover Seder. He was greeted by family and friends, who gathered outside the family's Ramla home in a show of support. He was ordered to return to his base by 10 a.m. Sunday.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot addressed the controversial case in an interview with Army Radio Friday, saying, "It is the IDF's duty to take a moral stand even when it's not popular."
He further noted that the heated public debate on the case confused the operational inquiry by the military, which determined Azaria had violated orders and should therefore be removed from combat duty, and the Military Police investigation into the shooting, which resulted in a manslaughter charge.
"The investigative-legal process is completely independent," Eizenkot said. "I have no jurisdiction over it, and that is how it should be. A professional, clean, and fair process is taking place, and I hope this case bolsters the public's faith in the military, instead of undermining it."
The chief of staff said that despite the harsh criticism leveled at the military, "I don't think the IDF, or I personally, are under attack, but some criticism cannot be ignored. The public's faith in the IDF is a key element in its ability to realize its duty to protect Israel, ensure its existence, and win wars.
"Nevertheless, the IDF is not a democracy -- it's a democracy's military. The IDF has rules, principles, and norms. We, as commanders, have an obligation to take clear position that illustrates the professional and moral norms expected [from soldiers]."
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