IDF Sgt. Elor Azariya, who was convicted of manslaughter after he shot and killed a wounded Arab terrorist in Hevron last March, was sent home for house arrest on Thursday, after spending roughly 16 months in open arrest at the Nachshonim army base near Rosh Haayin.
Azariya was convicted by an IDF court in Tel Aviv this January in connection to the shooting death of an Arab terrorist just minutes after a terror attack that left one IDF soldier wounded.
In rendering its decision, the court rejected Azariya’s claim that he feared the Arab may have been attempting to set off an explosive device concealed in his jacket.
A month later, the court sentenced Azariya to 18 months imprisonment.
Both the prosecution and Azariya’s legal defense team appealed the decision, and the army appeals court has placed a stay order allowing Azariya to remain outside of prison until a ruling is made on the appeals.
Since his three-year army service ended Thursday, Azariya may no longer be held in army detention on Nachshonim base, and must be freed to house arrest.
But Azariya’s reprieve may not last long, as the army appeals court is expected to issue its decision by the end of July.
During his house arrest, Azariya will be required to remain at home at all times, except for the Sabbath, when he will be permitted to leave his home to attend prayers at a local synagogue.