Israeli soldier on trial accused of shooting injured Palestinian man dead

An Israeli soldier who shot and killed an already wounded Palestinian assailant went on trial on manslaughter charges in a rare case that focuses on allegations of excessive use of force in confronting Palestinian attacks.

A majority of Israelis do not want a court-martial to take place, according to an opinion poll taken shortly after Sergeant Elor Azaria was arrested in March.

Palestinian officials have called the soldier’s action cold-blooded murder.