Elor Azariya's defense attorney asked him to explain to the court his connection with right-wing activist Baruch Marzel:
"He would invite us [soldiers] on Shabbat afternoon for lunch. I can tell you that the company commander and the battalion commander also ate with him, knew him, and didn't think it was a problem."
Referring to the claim that Marzel smiled at thim and shook his hand after Azariya shot a downed terrorist, Elor shot back, "I can tell you that during my service in Hevron, I shook many hands, including those of Palestinians. Baruch took care of us occasionally on Shabbat, it could be that I shook his hand - I don't know what I would have said to him."