Crowds of Israelis have taken to the streets in Tel Aviv to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's petition for a full pardon from corruption charges. The protesters, holding signs that read "Pardon = Banana Republic," gathered outside President Isaac Herzog's private home, demanding he reject the request.
Netanyahu, 76, sought the presidential pardon without admitting guilt or expressing remorse, sparking widespread outrage among Israelis. Antigovernment activists and opposition lawmakers joined dozens of protesters at the rally, with one protester dressing up as Netanyahu in an orange prison-style jumpsuit to emphasize his point.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned Netanyahu's request, saying he should not be pardoned without admitting guilt or retiring from politics. Another opposition politician, Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of the military, called for Netanyahu to resign and urged President Herzog not to grant a pardon.
Netanyahu faces corruption charges on three separate cases, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In one case, he and his wife are accused of accepting luxury goods worth over $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political favors.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the genocidal war on Gaza. Israel's war on the Palestinian territory has killed over 70,000 people and wounded nearly 171,000 others.
Netanyahu's pardon request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu, calling the corruption case a "political, unjustified prosecution." However, experts say that pardons in Israel typically require legal proceedings to be concluded and the accused to have been convicted.
Analysts warn that granting a pardon to Netanyahu would send a message that there are citizens who are above the law. Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, called Netanyahu an "outlaw" and said he is "hostage to his criminal past." He added that Netanyahu's actions have damaged Israel's democracy and economy.
Netanyahu's lawyers say they believe the prime minister will be acquitted in all cases, but experts are skeptical of this claim. The president's office has confirmed it received Netanyahu's request for a pardon, which Herzog is expected to consider carefully before making a decision.
Netanyahu, 76, sought the presidential pardon without admitting guilt or expressing remorse, sparking widespread outrage among Israelis. Antigovernment activists and opposition lawmakers joined dozens of protesters at the rally, with one protester dressing up as Netanyahu in an orange prison-style jumpsuit to emphasize his point.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned Netanyahu's request, saying he should not be pardoned without admitting guilt or retiring from politics. Another opposition politician, Yair Golan, a former deputy chief of the military, called for Netanyahu to resign and urged President Herzog not to grant a pardon.
Netanyahu faces corruption charges on three separate cases, including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. In one case, he and his wife are accused of accepting luxury goods worth over $260,000 from billionaires in exchange for political favors.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the genocidal war on Gaza. Israel's war on the Palestinian territory has killed over 70,000 people and wounded nearly 171,000 others.
Netanyahu's pardon request comes weeks after US President Donald Trump publicly urged Israel to pardon Netanyahu, calling the corruption case a "political, unjustified prosecution." However, experts say that pardons in Israel typically require legal proceedings to be concluded and the accused to have been convicted.
Analysts warn that granting a pardon to Netanyahu would send a message that there are citizens who are above the law. Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera's senior political analyst, called Netanyahu an "outlaw" and said he is "hostage to his criminal past." He added that Netanyahu's actions have damaged Israel's democracy and economy.
Netanyahu's lawyers say they believe the prime minister will be acquitted in all cases, but experts are skeptical of this claim. The president's office has confirmed it received Netanyahu's request for a pardon, which Herzog is expected to consider carefully before making a decision.
Like, isn't that what they're teaching you in politics school: accountability? Netanyahu's wife gets luxury goods worth $260k for favors, and this is the best he can come up with? 
It's like, let the man face justice or something.
I mean, Netanyahu thinks he's above the law just because he's been PM for so long? Newsflash, buddy: no one's above the law! 
I remember when I was younger (back in my day...), we used to have a saying "you can't take it with you," but I guess that doesn't apply to politicians now 
. It's just not right that he's asking for a pardon without even admitting to anything, let alone apologizing or showing some remorse. And don't even get me started on the whole US President Donald Trump thing... what's next? 
Do they think the ICC is just a bunch of hooey too? 
Newsflash, Donald: you're not exactly in a position to lecture anyone about justice and fairness.
It's not just about him, though - this could set a super bad precedent for Israel's democracy. Like, if the president can just pardon him out of the blue... Marwan Bishara is like, totally right in calling Netanyahu an "outlaw". 
That's just crazy talk. The ICC arrest warrants are a huge deal, btw - over 70k people killed and nearly 170k wounded in Gaza? 
It's like, how can we even justify pardoning someone with that kind of track record? 
Those protesters outside the President's home were HILARIOUS though, dressing him up like an orange prison jumpsuit... classic! 
And Marwan Bishara is giving Netanyahu some major shade as "outlaw" 
The fact that experts are saying a pardon would basically say you can do whatever and get away with it? No, no, no! That's not how democracy works, fam! 
it's like he thinks he's above the law or something, you know?
. Netanyahu's got some serious skeletons in his closet and it's not just about him, it's about the whole country feeling like they're being undermined. The protesters are right to be out there demanding justice and accountability. I hope President Herzog makes a smart decision here