Jonathan Pollard Joins Former MK Sharren Haskel’s Israel First Party Citing October 7 Betrayal

Jonathan Pollard, the former Israeli spy who served 30 years in a U.S. prison, announced his entry into the political party 'Israel First' led by former Knesset member Sharren Haskel. The announcement was made near the Western Wall, where Pollard sharply criticized the current Israeli political leadership for abandoning the country during the October 7 attacks. He stated, "On October 7, I saw the country abandoned and betrayed. With you, I hope there will be a new government dedicated to protecting the land and the people of Israel." Pollard also condemned current Knesset members for their unwillingness to take responsibility since the attacks, emphasizing that preventing another October 7 requires placing committed individuals like Haskel in positions of power.

Pollard praised Haskel for her past dedication to securing his release from American prison, highlighting her quiet, loyal, and effective efforts. Haskel recently left Gideon Sa'ar's New Hope party to establish her own political faction. Her recent activities include testifying in the investigation concerning the appointment of State Comptroller Michael Regev, where she claimed she was pressured to document her vote and present it to the Prime Minister.

Pollard’s joining of Haskel’s party is seen as a significant political move, given his symbolic status as someone who paid a heavy personal price for Israel. Since his release and return to Israel in 2020, Pollard has been active in public affairs. He lost his wife Esther to COVID-19 last year and has since remarried Rebecca Abrams-Donin from Jerusalem.