Israelis Rally in Tel Aviv as Netanyahu Seeks Presidential Pardon

Crowds gathered outside the Tel Aviv home of President Isaac Herzog on Sunday night, voicing anger over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a full presidential pardon in his long running corruption trial. The demonstration, held under the banner “Pardon = Banana Republic,” drew opposition lawmakers and civil society activists. Some protesters arrived with a stack of bananas as a pointed message, while one appeared in an orange prison style jumpsuit. Their demand was consistent: the president must reject Netanyahu’s appeal. Organisers accused the prime minister of attempting to sidestep accountability. Shikma Bressler, a leading anti government figure, warned that the move threatened the country’s future. Many at the scene echoed the concern that bypassing the courts would undermine public trust in state institutions. Netanyahu has been on trial for five years over three separate corruption cases, including allegations of receiving luxury gifts from wealthy associates and seeking favorable media coverage. He denies wrongdoing and insists he would have been cleared had the process continued. In a short statement, he argued that national interests now outweighed the continuation of his trial, which he said had deepened divisions across the country. Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the request and described it as an “extraordinary” matter that would be carefully reviewed. Pardon requests in Israel are usually considered only after conviction, making this appeal highly unusual. Opposition figures reacted swiftly. Yair Lapid said no pardon should be granted without an admission of guilt and a full exit from political life. Former military officer Yair Golan urged Herzog to reject what he called a dangerous precedent. Civil groups also warned that approving such a plea would signal that senior officials could operate above the law. Support for Netanyahu came from within his coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the judiciary of pursuing him unfairly. Defence Minister Israel Katz suggested a pardon would ease the tensions that have shaped public life for nearly a decade. The debate extends beyond Israel. Netanyahu faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in 2024 over alleged war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict. International pressure has continued to build, with United States President Donald Trump recently urging Israel to pardon the prime minister.

| 2025-12-01 08:48:14