Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu returns to Israel on erev Shabbos, 22 Adar, following a few days in the USA during which he met in the White House with President Donald Trump and addressed the AIPAC conference.
It is being reported that Mr. Netanyahu asked President Trump to consider releasing Jonathan Pollard from the ban prohibiting him to travel, to permit him to return to Israel where he wishes to live. Mr. Netanyahu said that lifting these restrictions from Pollard would be an appropriate gesture for Israel’s upcoming 70th anniversary.
Pollard, 62, who was released from a federal prison in 2015 must still live with a number of difficult and limiting restrictions, which includes a prohibition on travel, including Israel. He must wear an ankle bracelet and his work on his computer is monitored and he may not speak to the media.
The Yisrael Hayom report adds that an Israeli official has already explained that even if permitted to move to Israel, there will still be some restriction, which Israeli officials have already accepted.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
Many yidden working or seeking to work for the federal government and requiring security clearances are still paying the price and under a cloud of suspicion for Pollard’s betrayal of his country and taking money in return for classified information. He is fortunate to be out of prison. Pushing Trump for a “pardon” for a convicted spy is real chutzpah and insult to the many yidden who serve in the nation’s armed forces and security agencies who don’t lie or sell out their country.
All to give bibi a boost in the polls before elections.
That explains the timing.
Pollard had been punished with a real disproportionate sentence,as there are spies that just get four years. And here Pollard is still being hounded by security even after being released after his long jail sentence.
The USA has punished him enough,and the lesson has been learnt about how the USA will mercilessly punish anyone spying for Israel,and it is time for the USA to let Pollard walk away.