Liberman: We must support soldiers ‘even if they make a mistake’

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman says the country must support its soldiers “even if one of them makes a mistake,” in reference to Sgt. Elor Azaria, an IDF soldier currently on trial for manslaughter after he allegedly shot and killed a disarmed, supine Palestinian assailant in March.

“We should remember, all of us, including members of the media, public figures and politicians, that until you are convicted in court, you are innocent,” he says.

This is especially true when you are dealing with soldiers who are on a mission, Liberman says.

The trial of Azaria has gripped the nation’s attention for months.

Liberman, who prior to becoming defense minister vocally supported Azaria, has dialed back his rhetoric since taking the position.

The defense minister says he expects that a military court can “ignore the noise from the left and from the right.”

— Judah Ari Gross