The protesters, including opposition lawmakers and activists, demanded that Herzog reject Netanyahu’s request, chanting “You are the leader; you are guilty” and holding signs that read “Pardon = Banana Republic“
By Asaye Bankole
Angry crowds of Israelis gathered outside President Isaac Herzog’s home in Tel Aviv on Sunday night, protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a full pardon from corruption charges. Netanyahu, 76, submitted the pardon request without admitting guilt or expressing remorse, sparking widespread backlash.
The protesters, including opposition lawmakers and activists, demanded that Herzog reject Netanyahu’s request, chanting “You are the leader; you are guilty” and holding signs that read “Pardon = Banana Republic”.
One protester even dressed up as Netanyahu in an orange prison-style jumpsuit.
Netanyahu is facing corruption charges, including accepting luxury goods worth over $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political favors and attempting to negotiate favorable media coverage. His lawyers argue that the trial is tearing the country apart and that a pardon would promote national unity.
The request has also sparked debate about the role of the president in granting pardons, with some arguing that it would set a bad precedent and undermine the rule of law. Herzog’s office has confirmed receipt of the request and will consider it after gathering opinions from relevant authorities.
Netanyahu is not accepting the charges, and his lawyers wrote in a 111-page letter to the president’s office that he still thinks the legal process will end in full acquittal.
In a short video statement, Netanyahu said he wanted to keep going with the process, “but security and politics – the country’s best interest say no”.
He added, “Keeping the trial going is breaking us up inside, causing lots of fights and making things worse”.
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