The case is highly controversial in Israel, and many demonstrations have been held in support of Azaria in recent months, calling him a “hero” and protesting the decision to charge him with manslaughter. Some right-wing politicians similarly denounced the trial, including MK Avigdor Liberman, who personally attended a protest outside the Jaffa court before he was appointed defense minister, and MK Oren Hazan (Likud) who attended the court session on Sunday.
“I am now in court, hearing Elor’s testimony and wondering how we have reached the point where a combat soldier is being tried for killing Satan disguised as a terrorist while the Hamas terrorists are laughing at us all,” wrote MK Hazan on Twitter.
“I call upon Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, who had supported Elor from the beginning, to stick to his original position and to do everything to end this farce,” added Hazan.
