Elor Azariya's lawyer, attorney Yoram Sheftel, sharply attacked President Rivlin's decision not to pardon Azariya, stating that "this is the most shameful act committed by the president since he entered office and there have been many such shameful acts. If he considers himself to be nationalist, in favor of the Land of Israel, and has the power to pardon, he should have pardoned Azariya."