Israelis Rally in Tel Aviv Against Netanyahu’s Pardon Bid
Sultanul Arefin 
Large crowds have gathered in Tel Aviv to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon in his long-running corruption trial.
Demonstrators say granting clemency would damage Israeli democracy and place leaders above the law.
Protest in Tel Aviv: crowds outside Herzog’s home
On Sunday night, protesters rallied outside President Isaac Herzog’s private residence in Tel Aviv.
They called on him to reject Netanyahu’s petition for a full pardon from charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Opposition lawmakers, including Knesset member Naama Lazimi, joined the demonstration.
Chants accused Netanyahu of tearing the country apart and urged Herzog to “stand with democracy, not corruption.”
Slogan ‘Pardon = Banana Republic’ becomes protest symbol
The rally was organised under the slogan “Pardon = Banana Republic.”
Activists stacked a pile of bananas near the home’s entrance and placed a sign reading “pardon” on top, warning that clemency would turn Israel into a state where leaders escape accountability.
One protester dressed as Netanyahu in an orange prison-style jumpsuit, highlighting public anger over the request.
Speakers told the crowd that cancelling the trial without any admission of guilt would “reward corruption” and deepen political division.
Netanyahu’s request: ‘extraordinary’ pardon in corruption cases
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu filed a 100-plus-page petition asking Herzog for a presidential pardon.
His lawyers argue the trial is hampering his ability to govern and that ending it now would help national unity.
The president’s office called the request “extraordinary” and said it would be reviewed with the Justice Ministry.
Legal experts note that Israeli presidents almost never grant pardons before conviction, especially without an admission of guilt.
Long-running corruption trial shapes political crisis
Netanyahu has been on trial since 2020 in three separate cases, facing charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.
Prosecutors allege he traded regulatory favours and other benefits for favourable media coverage and luxury gifts; he strongly denies all accusations.
Supporters claim the proceedings are a politicised “witch-hunt” against Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.
However, critics say the attempt to halt the trial through a pardon short-circuits the legal process and undermines trust in the courts.
Divided reactions: calls for conditions and resignation
Reactions across the political spectrum remain deeply split.
Former prime minister Naftali Bennett has said he could back a pardon only if Netanyahu admits wrongdoing and permanently quits politics.
A former defence lawyer for Netanyahu also argued that Israeli legal tradition requires an admission of guilt before any presidential clemency.
Meanwhile, some of Netanyahu’s coalition allies and foreign supporters, including former US President Donald Trump, publicly endorse the pardon bid, framing it as a step toward stability.
As a result, Herzog’s eventual decision could shape both Israel’s legal norms and its already polarised political future.
For now, nightly protests outside his Tel Aviv home signal that many Israelis see the pardon request as a crucial test of the country’s democracy.
Featured Image: AFP
About The Author
Suzan Seherin 