U.S. Bars Ex-IDF Sergeant Over Extrajudicial Killing

The U.S. State Department has barred Elor Azaria, a former Israeli Defense Forces sergeant, from entering the United States. Washington also imposed visa restrictions on individuals destabilizing the West Bank. Azaria was previously convicted of extrajudicially killing a Palestinian. This measure is part of U.S. efforts to address increased violence in the region.

The U.S. State Department on Wednesday barred a former Israeli Defense Forces sergeant, Elor Azaria, from traveling to the United States, accusing him of involvement in the extrajudicial killing of a Palestinian in the West Bank.

Washington also imposed visa restrictions on a group of individuals involved in actions undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. This latest U.S. measure aims to address the ongoing violence in the region.

Azaria, who was convicted of killing a wounded and incapacitated Palestinian assailant, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2017 but was released after serving nine months. The decision follows Washington's May designation of several Israeli security force units for gross human rights violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)