Protests erupt in Tel Aviv as corruption-plagued Netanyahu seeks pardon

Protesters outside the residence of the regime’s president, Isaac Herzog, denounced the maneuver as an assault on the rule of law, waving signs beneath a large pile of bananas labeled "Pardon," equating the move to a "Banana Republic."

Netanyahu, 76, formally petitioned President Herzog for clemency, seeking to escape potential imprisonment if he is ultimately convicted.

For years, the Zionist regime's leader had refused to request a pardon, as Israeli law typically requires an admission of guilt.

Reports indicate his current plea omits any clear confession of wrongdoing.

In a video statement justifying his political lifeline, Netanyahu claimed that "the security reality, the political situation, and the national interest" forced his hand.

Protesters gathered outside of Israeli regime’s president Isaac Herzog’s house in Tel Aviv, demanding that he reject Netanyahu’s request for a pardon in the three corruption charges against him.

He argued that the ongoing trial "tears us apart" and deepens domestic divisions.

Opposition figures united in demanding that Herzog reject the request unless Netanyahu meets two critical conditions: a full admission of guilt and a permanent exit from political life.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid stated that clemency should only be granted if Netanyahu "admits to doing wrong, feels bad about it, and leaves politics right away."

Yair Golan, head of the Democratic Party, reinforced this stance: “Only the guilty seek a pardon. After eight years of legal proceedings, cases that have not collapsed, Netanyahu is now asking for clemency.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett indicated he would only support a formal deal that terminates Netanyahu's trial if it is contingent upon his permanent departure from public office.

The sharpest rebuke came from National Unity Party chairman Benny Gantz, who accused Netanyahu of using the pardon request as a cynical distraction from the regime's deeply controversial draft-exemption bill.

“He’s acting like an arsonist who starts a fire and then demands protection money to put it out,” Gantz said. “Instead of inflaming tensions, put out the fire you started. Stop harming democracy, call elections, and only then pursue a plea deal or a pardon.”

Despite the intense political and public pressure, Herzog’s office was quoted as saying the president would remain impartial and would not be "influenced by any pressure from any party."

The pardon request now rests with the president, determining whether Netanyahu can escape accountability for the charges leveled against him.

Netanyahu is Zionist regime’s longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 1996 to 1999, from 2009 to 2021, and again since December 2022.

Netanyahu is currently on trial for three major corruption cases, known as Cases 1000, 2000, and 4000.

These cases are based on claims of bribes, biased media coverage, and regulatory favors. 

He is also wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Gaza, where Zionist regime’s two-year genocide killed more than 70,000 people and injured 170,000, mostly women and children.