Protesters reject Netanyahu pardon bid

Demonstrators gathered outside a Tel Aviv courthouse to denounce Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for a presidential pardon amid his long-running corruption trial, saying the bid threatens the rule of law. Protesters wearing orange jumpsuits and carrying signs chanted that a pardon before a verdict would amount to impunity, while some mocked the prime minister with masks and theatrical displays portraying him as a jailed elder. Organizers included anti-corruption groups and opposition figures who framed the demonstration as a defense of judicial independence and accountability.

Netanyahu formally asked President Isaac Herzog for clemency, arguing that ongoing criminal proceedings hamper his ability to govern and that a pardon would serve Israel’s interests by promoting unity. He denies charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and, through his lawyers, reiterated confidence that the legal process would ultimately clear him without any admission of guilt. His legal team cited exceptional public-interest grounds for presidential intervention, contending that the president has discretionary authority to act where national cohesion is at stake.

President Herzog’s office described the pardon request as “extraordinary” with “significant implications” and said it would be considered responsibly and sincerely. The move has intensified political pressure on the president, with supporters of Netanyahu portraying clemency as necessary for stability, while opponents warn that granting it before a conviction would set a dangerous precedent allowing leaders to evade judicial consequences.

The controversy was amplified by external endorsements: former U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to Herzog urging a pardon, calling the prosecution “political” and “unjustified,” a development critics say adds foreign pressure to an already fraught domestic decision. Backers of the demonstrators urged Herzog to refuse the appeal, insisting that pardoning an accused leader prior to trial conclusion would erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Security was heightened at the courthouse as police erected barricades and monitored the crowd, but protests remained largely peaceful. Speakers at the rally highlighted the symbolic importance of resisting a preemptive pardon, warning that approval would normalize immunity for misconduct and weaken mechanisms of accountability. They argued that preserving the integrity of the justice system is essential to Israel’s democratic health, especially amid existing political and security tensions.

With no decision announced, demonstrators say they will continue mobilizing and are prepared to escalate actions if Herzog appears inclined to grant clemency. The episode has deepened polarization, making the president’s forthcoming choice a pivotal moment for Israel’s legal and political landscape.