MK (Kulanu) Dr. Michal Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, DC, spoke with Arutz-7 about this week’s announced ruling of a US parole commission to release Jonathan Pollard after 30 years imprisonment. Oren joins the growing voice directed at the United States, to amend the terms of Pollard’s release and permit him to come home to Israel. Under the terms of his release, Mr. Pollard will not be permitted to leave the United States.

Oren, who visited Pollard in prison on a number of occasions, stated that Israel as a nation must stand behind him, adding Israel has already apologized to the United States and Jerusalem accepted responsibility for Pollard’s actions. He added that he personally handed a request for mercy to US President Barak Obama.

Yediot Achronot quoted a senior Israeli source opining the United States wishes to spare itself embarrassment and permitting Pollard to come to Israel would result in his receiving a hero’s welcome.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)