Former Spy Jonathan Pollard Joins Israeli Politics with 'Israel First' Party

Jonathan Pollard, the former American naval intelligence analyst who served 30 years in a U.S. prison for spying for Israel, has officially entered Israeli politics. On Sunday, Pollard announced his candidacy in the upcoming elections as a member of the 'Israel First' party. The announcement was made near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where Pollard expressed his continued deep commitment to Israel despite the many years that have passed since his imprisonment.

Pollard voiced strong support for Knesset member Sharren Haskel and emphasized his belief in a Zionist, nationalistic leadership that prioritizes Israel's security and unapologetically affirms the Jewish people's right to their land. Haskel praised Pollard as a significant addition to the party, highlighting his personal sacrifices for Israel and the Jewish people. She described Pollard's trust in her and the party's path as both a great honor and responsibility.

The 'Israel First' party platform, as outlined by Haskel, focuses on maintaining a strong, thriving Jewish state that defends itself, supports settlement growth, protects Jerusalem, and offers citizens a better future. The party rejects apologies for Israel's Jewish identity and insists on the right to build the Jewish people's future in the land.

Pollard, a Jewish American who worked in U.S. naval intelligence in Washington, was arrested in 1985 and convicted of espionage for passing classified information to Israel. After serving three decades in prison, he was released and immigrated to Israel, where he now seeks to influence the country's political landscape.