❌ Arson suspects arrested in Samaria: The IDF said soldiers and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) personnel arrested two terrorists following a reported arson incident yesterday near Burqa, in the Samaria Brigade’s area. Forces arrived, searched for suspects and made the arrests shortly afterward. No injuries were reported.
According to the IDF, the two admitted to setting the fire and were transferred to security forces for further questioning.
🇮🇱 Herzog grants Azaria’s criminal record request: President Isaac Herzog signed an order Saturday night, September 19, ahead of Yom Kippur, shortening the period before Elor Azaria’s criminal record is expunged. He accepted Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recommendation to shorten the period immediately, contrary to the military’s position.
Herzog cited the approximately decade-long passage of time, Azaria’s completion of his sentence, the long-expired limitation period relating to his offenses, and changes in his personal and family circumstances. He also considered the family’s complex medical circumstances, Azaria’s desire to overcome employment barriers, and the earlier reduction of his sentence by then-IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot. His rationale emphasized rehabilitation, reconciliation and a fresh start in the spirit of the Jewish period of mercy and forgiveness.
In his request, Azaria expressed regret over, among other things, the affair’s serious consequences. He emphasized his respect for the IDF’s values and said that, as the father of two young children, he wishes to raise them according to those values. In his first request, submitted to then-President Reuven Rivlin, Azaria stated that, based solely on a retrospective analysis, the shooting had been an operational mistake and that, in hindsight, he would not have carried it out.
Herzog stressed that the decision neither challenges nor undermines the judicial proceedings and does not constitute a reconsideration of the case. He described the military justice system as essential to safeguarding the rule of law, the IDF’s values and principles, and strict adherence to the principle of purity of arms. Presidential clemency, he emphasized, is an act of mercy, not an appellate process. Azaria likewise stated that he did not intend to reopen the matter.
After weighing these circumstances and positions presented by relevant officeholders both previously and currently, Herzog concluded that Azaria had served his sentence and paid his debt to society, and should be allowed to move forward with his life.
🗳️ Tibi’s opposition pledges and Lieberman’s criticism: Ahmad Tibi told “Meet the Press”: “Together with Eisenkot’s bloc, we will replace the Speaker of the Knesset, endorse the bloc’s candidate, and do more than just endorse in order to replace Netanyahu’s government.”
Tibi subsequently clarified that they would go further than ever to replace Netanyahu, and that replacing Amir Ohana was just the beginning.
Lieberman said on “Meet the Press”: “Eisenkot is trying to look out for himself at the bloc’s expense. I’m worried he’ll become Benny Gantz 2.0. I’m telling him: there’s no need to panic over a single poll.”
🔁 Know someone who would appreciate these updates? Please pass this along.
🌐 Full updates & discussion: https://www.israelrealtime.com
Can you explain to me the issues with Netenyahu’s government?