Avigdor Liberman
Avigdor LibermanYoni Kempinski

Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman (Yisrael Beytenu) arrived Monday morning to the IDF induction center “Meitav” in Tel HaShomer as new recruits for the Golani and Givati brigades arrive.

During his visit, Liberman responded to questions from reporters, including inquiries regarding the ongoing trial of Elor Azariya, the soldier accused of manslaughter in the killing of a wounded terrorist in Hevron.

Liberman blasted what he called the prejudgment of Azariya’s case, lambasting politicians who attacked Azariya immediately after the incident, a subtle jab at Liberman’s predecessor, former Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon.

“It is unacceptable for a political leader, and certainly a minister, to determine the fate of the soldier – particularly if you’re the Defense Minister – before the judicial process has run its course. In any free country, in any free and democratic society, a person is innocent until proven guilty.”

“To determine from the outset that the soldier was wrong, that he harmed the norms and values of the IDF, before the inquiry had even begun – in my opinion that was a terrible mistake, and I believe that now just as much as then.”

The Defense Minister also lent support to Rabbi Eyal Karim, who has been nominated as the IDF’s new Chief Rabbi and received the backing of IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot.

“I’m sure that Lieutenant General Gadi Eizenkot knows all the candidates well and knows the army’s needs, and I’ve given him my full support. He had a difficult decision; there were many candidates and a lot of pressure, but I rely on the Chief of Staff’s judgment, and as far as I’m concerned, his choice has by full backing.”

Liberman in IDF recruitment office
Liberman in IDF recruitment officeCourtesy of Defense Ministry