An Israeli soldier who shot dead a wounded Palestinian assailant has begun serving time in a military prison following one of the most divisive trials in Israel’s history.<br /><br />As he arrived, Elor Azaria was surrounded by a crowd of supporters who’d turned out to protest. <br /><br />The 21-year-old former army conscript’s manslaughter conviction and 18-month sentence were upheld by a military appeals court last month.<br /><br />The events in Hebron in March last year were caught on video by a Palestinian human rights activist. Abdel Fattah al-Sharif had already been shot having reportedly tried to stab two soldiers.<br /><br />More than 10 minutes later Azaria is seen firing at the man as he lay injured on the ground. The soldier claimed in court he feared al-Sharif might be hiding an explosive belt. Senior generals said he was not in danger and stressed the importance of upholding the army’s code of ethics.<br /><br />The case has polarised opinion. Acaria, who’s expressed no regret, goes to jail amid a clamour for clemency among many Israelis.<br /><br />For many Palestinians his 18-month sentence is far too lenient, arguing even Palestinian children have received longer terms for throwing stones.<br />
