Jonathan Pollard Joins Israeli Political Party After Oct 7

Jonathan Pollard announced Sunday his support for the 'Israel First' party led by former Knesset member Sharren Hashel, who recently left Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's faction to establish her own political movement.

The announcement was made at a joint appearance near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where Pollard delivered sharp criticism of Israel's current political leadership.

"On October 7, I saw that the state was abandoned and betrayed," Pollard said in his statement. "With you, I hope there will be a new government dedicated to protecting the land and the people of Israel."

Pollard, who served 30 years in U.S. federal prison after being convicted of espionage on behalf of Israel, directed pointed criticism at sitting members of the Knesset. "I've known many Knesset members, but after October 7, no one wanted to take responsibility, not to this day," he said. He added that "the only way to prevent another October 7 is to bring people like you into positions of responsibility."

Pollard praised Haskel for her past efforts to secure his release from prison. "You fought for me without bragging about it. You were quiet, loyal, and effective. And that's what we need in the new Knesset," he said, reflecting personal appreciation for her advocacy during his incarceration in the United States.

Haskel recently departed from the 'New Hope' faction led by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar to form her new party. In recent weeks, she testified before the Lahav 433 investigative unit regarding the selection of attorney Michael Rabello as State Comptroller, claiming in an affidavit to the High Court of Justice that she was required to document her vote and present it to the Prime Minister.

Pollard's alignment with Haskel's party represents a significant development in Israeli politics, particularly given his symbolic status as someone who paid a heavy personal price for the State of Israel. He has previously made special appeals to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz on security matters.

Pollard was released from U.S. prison after completing his 30-year sentence and arrived in Israel in 2020. Since then, he has been active in various public issues. Last year, he was widowed when his wife Esther died from COVID-19. He subsequently remarried for the third time to Rivka Abrahams-Donin of Jerusalem.