Netanyahu's pardon request sparks protests in Israel

Protesters gathered in front of President Isaac Herzog's residence in Tel Aviv to raise their voices against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for a pardon regarding his corruption trials. Opposition lawmaker Naama Lazimi also attended the demonstration, where the theme "pardon = banana republic" was prominent. Referring to the possibility of Netanyahu being pardoned, participants posed with piles of bananas behind a banner that read "Pardon."

Protesters carried signs holding Netanyahu responsible for the political crisis and chanted slogans such as "You are the leader, you are the culprit." One demonstrator wore an orange prison jumpsuit and a Netanyahu mask to portray the prime minister, while another wore a Herzog mask to portray the president. These individuals ate bananas to make a reference to a "banana republic."

Netanyahu had submitted a 14-page pardon request to President Herzog regarding his corruption cases. It was stated that Herzog would evaluate this request in a "responsible and serious manner." Netanyahu's pardon request has caused a deep divide in Israeli politics. While government supporters argue that Herzog should accept the request, opponents state that Netanyahu must admit his guilt.