Elor Azaria

Earlier this year, Elor Azaria, an IDF medic, shot dead an alleged terrorist who was incapacitated and lying on the ground and received an 18 month conviction.

Rivlin touched tangentially on three concepts that keep eluding our politicians and, with them as role models, have also escaped too many Israelis: responsibility, accountability and transparency.

The president rejected the pardon because he believes that upholding the values of the IDF is more important than pandering to the majority of his irreverent people.

The president's Office said in a statement that the petition has yet to be officially received and will be addressed directly when it is.

The case has monumental import as detractors say the indictment should have been at least for the more serious charge of manslaughter.

This is not a Left or Right issue, as unfortunately it has panned out to be. It is an issue of whether we are a civilized nation operating within ethical and judicial norms of behavior.

President Reuven Rivlin demonstrated both moral courage and sensitivity.

Despite the angry outcry on social media, Rivlin’s office said on Monday that he had received many calls of support and encouragement.

The photos of Rivlin are reminiscent of those that opponents of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin created in opposition to his peace talks with the Palestinians.

It wasn’t all business and no pleasure for the Miami mayor and the manager of the Tel Aviv port.