Jonathan Pollard, the former spy, announced Sunday that he’s joining the Israel First party founded by former Deputy Minister Sharren Haskel. In a joint statement delivered near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Pollard announced he’s joining Israel First and backing Knesset member Sharren Haskel ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Israel First party, led by Knesset member Sharren Haskel, announced this morning that Pollard is joining the party, after he already declared his intention to enter politics last June. In the joint statement filmed this morning in Jerusalem near the Western Wall, Pollard publicly announced his support for Haskel and the Israel First party’s path.
Pollard, a Jewish-American who worked in the U.S. Navy’s intelligence division in Washington, was arrested in 1985 and convicted of espionage and passing classified information to Israel. He served 30 years in prison in the United States, and after his release, he immigrated to Israel.
Pollard said his commitment to the State of Israel and the Jewish people remains deep even after the long years that have passed. During the joint statement, Pollard said, “I believe in Sharren. And I believe in Israel.”
Pollard explained that his support for Haskel and Israel First stems from his belief that Israel needs Zionist, nationalist, and courageous leadership that puts Israel’s security at the top of its priorities, believes in the Jewish people’s right to their land, and doesn’t apologize for Israel being a Jewish state.