Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Dec 1: Tensions escalated in Israel on Sunday night as angry crowds gathered outside President Isaac Herzog’s home in Tel Aviv, protesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a full presidential pardon from longstanding corruption charges. Demonstrators, joined by opposition lawmakers, condemned the move as an assault on democracy.
Dozens of activists rallied under the slogan “Pardon = Banana Republic”, demanding that President Herzog reject the prime minister’s plea. One protester dressed as Netanyahu in an orange prison-style jumpsuit, while others stood near a heap of bananas symbolising what they called an attempt to undermine the rule of law.
Prominent activist Shikma Bressler accused Netanyahu of trying to escape accountability. “He wants his entire trial cancelled without taking responsibility. People of Israel understand what is at stake—it’s the future of our country,” she said.
Netanyahu, 76, who has been facing corruption cases for five years, sought the pardon without admitting guilt or expressing remorse. He is accused in three separate cases of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, including allegations that he and wife Sara accepted over $260,000 worth of luxury gifts from billionaires in exchange for political favours.
He has denied all charges, and his lawyers said in a 111-page appeal that he still expects a complete acquittal. In a video message, Netanyahu argued that continuing the trial was tearing the country apart and that “national interest” required ending the legal proceedings.
President Herzog’s office confirmed receiving the request, calling it “extraordinary” and promising a careful review.
The move immediately triggered a political storm. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said a pardon cannot be granted unless Netanyahu admits guilt, expresses remorse and quits politics. Former military deputy chief Yair Golan added, “Only the guilty seek pardon.”
Good-governance groups also slammed the plea, warning that pardoning a serving prime minister facing serious charges would send a dangerous signal that some citizens are above the law.
Protesters outside Herzog’s residence echoed that sentiment. “The president must protect Israeli democracy,” said Ami Dror, 52. “If law and order collapse, so does democracy.”
Netanyahu’s allies, however, backed him strongly. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accused the judicial system of persecuting the prime minister. Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed a pardon would end years of division.
Internationally, Netanyahu is already under severe scrutiny after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for him and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The ongoing war has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 1.7 lakh.
Al Jazeera analyst Marwan Bishara called Netanyahu a “liability for Israel”, blaming him for undermining democratic institutions and deepening internal and global crises. “He is now an international fugitive,” Bishara said, adding that Israel’s stability and economy cannot recover as long as he remains in office.
President Herzog is expected to seek expert opinions before making a decision on the unprecedented pardon request.