Jonathan Pollard endorses Sharren Haskel, joins 'Israel First' party ahead of elections
Pollard, who is a former spy and spent 30 years in a US prison for passing classified information to Israel, said the country needs leaders who are "quiet, loyal and effective"
Jonathan Pollard announced in Jerusalem that he supports and is joining the "Israel First" party, led by MK Sharren Haskel, ahead of the upcoming elections. In a joint statement filmed near the Western Wall, Pollard publicly expressed his support for Haskel and the party's platform, following his declaration in June that he intended to enter politics.
"I believe in Sharren. And I believe in Israel," Pollard said. He explained that his support stems from a belief that Israel needs Zionist, national and courageous leadership that prioritizes Israel's security, affirms the Jewish people's right to their land, and does not apologize for Israel being a Jewish state.
Pollard also spoke about October 7, saying his own experience of abandonment was "not the exception" but reflective of a broader national failure. "On October 7th, I saw that the entire country had been abandoned and betrayed," he said, adding that "nobody wanted responsibility" in the aftermath and that many still have not taken responsibility.
Pollard believes the only way to prevent a repeat of October 7 is to return people "like" Haskel to positions of authority in government.
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Pollard praised Haskel's conduct during the war, saying she fought for him without publicizing her efforts. "You were quiet. You were loyal. And you were effective. And that's what we need now with a new Knesset," he said, calling her the candidate who "satisfies all those requirements for the next Knesset."
Haskel, chairwoman of "Israel First," said Pollard's endorsement represents "significant reinforcement" for the party.
"To stand here today, near the Western Wall, and hear him say that he places his trust in me and in the path of 'Israel First' is a great privilege and a great responsibility," Haskel said. The Knesset Minister was assertive in the party's belief in "a Jewish, Zionist, strong and prosperous Israel" that defends itself, strengthens settlement, safeguards Jerusalem, and does not apologize for its identity.
Lt. Col. (res.) Roi Danino also commented on the endorsement, saying Pollard's decision to join the party reflects genuine commitment. "As a military man, I know that commitment to the country is measured by actions," Danino said, calling Pollard's move "a significant boost to a Zionist and national path that places Israel's security and future at the top of the agenda."
Pollard, a Jewish-American who worked in US Navy intelligence, was arrested in 1985 and convicted of espionage for passing classified information to Israel. He served 30 years in prison before immigrating to Israel following his release.