Protests erupt outside Israeli president’s home over Netanyahu pardon

Tensions rose in Israel as left-wing protesters gathered outside President Isaac Herzog’s home, opposing a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Herzog stated he would not be influenced by any political pressure.

The Israeli presidency said in a statement: “In recent hours, posts attributed to the President or the President’s office have circulated. We clarify that any post not issued by the President’s spokesperson is not related. The President has not set any conditions because the case has been sent for a legal opinion, and he has not yet begun discussing the matter.”

The statement added: “The President will not be influenced by pressure from any party. As stated in the President’s office statement this morning, after receiving all legal opinions, the President will study the matter responsibly and seriously.”

Earlier Sunday, a group of left-wing protesters arrived at Herzog’s residence, demanding that he reject Netanyahu’s pardon request, according to Israel’s Channel 14.

One protester dressed as Herzog sat on a pile of bananas, symbolising that if the pardon is granted, Israel could become a “banana republic.”

Netanyahu has been on trial for five years on three separate cases of corruption, including charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

READ: Israeli Premier Netanyahu seeks presidential pardon over corruption charges