Jonathan Pollard Announces Knesset Run After Espionage Past

• •Jonathan Pollard, a convicted spy, is running for the Israeli Knesset.
• •Pollard expressed regret for his espionage actions and criticized current Israeli leadership.
• •His candidacy follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which he cites as a turning point.

Jonathan Pollard, a former U.S. Navy analyst who served 30 years for espionage for Israel, has announced his candidacy for the Israeli parliament. In a recent interview, Pollard expressed remorse for his actions and criticized the current Israeli leadership, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, for their handling of security issues following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Pollard's espionage activities in the 1980s involved selling classified U.S. documents to Israel, which strained U.S.-Israel relations. He believes his past actions were motivated by a desire to protect Israel's security. Pollard moved to Israel in 2020 after his release and has since been involved in various activities, including aiding in the aftermath of recent conflicts. His political ambitions are seen as an attempt to unify the right-wing factions in Israel ahead of the upcoming elections.