Inside Story

Why are Israelis lauding soldier Elor Azaria as a hero?

Far-right politicians have come out to support an Israeli soldier found guilty of killing a wounded Palestinian.

It has been a closely watched trial with an unusual verdict.

Unlike in previous cases in which soldiers were acquitted, an Israeli army sergeant has been convicted of the manslaughter of a Palestinian man.

Elor Azaria fatally shot Abed al-Fattah al-Sharif in the head in Hebron as he lay on the ground wounded. A second Palestinian was also shot and killed.

Police say al-Sharif stabbed an Israeli guard at a checkpoint.

The court case highlights deep divisions among Israelis.

Army generals said the 19-year-old army sergeant who opened fire broke the code of war.

Far-right politicians said video of the shooting made him a scapegoat.

What does the guilty verdict say about Israeli society and its relationship to Palestinians? 

Presenter: Jane Dutton

Guests:

Issa Amro – Palestinian human rights activist and founder of the Camera Project.

Akiva Eldar – Senior Columnist, Al-Monitor.

Robbie Sabel – Professor, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.