{
  "id": 2758200,
  "title": "Ex-spy Jonathan Pollard joins Sharren Haskel's Israel First party ahead of elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ex-spy-jonathan-pollard-joins-sharren-haskels-israel-first-party",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T09:30:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-906303"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard has announced his decision to join MK Sharren Haskel's Israel First party in preparation for the upcoming Knesset election. The political alignment was announced in a joint statement filmed near the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Pollard expressed his support for Haskel and the party's right-wing direction, stating, \"I believe in Sharren. And I believe in Israel.\" Haskel welcomed Pollard's endorsement, calling it a significant reinforcement for Israel First. She highlighted Pollard's personal sacrifices for Israel, describing his decision to join the party as a privilege and responsibility. Pollard, who served 30 years in prison for espionage, was released in 2015 and immigrated to Israel in 2020. Despite his past, he has since become a vocal critic of the current government, calling for its replacement in the upcoming election.",
  "summary": "Haskel welcomed Pollard’s support, describing his decision to join the party as a significant boost for Israel First.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "EU's von der Leyen joins European countries to condemn Israel's West Bank plan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/eus-von-der-leyen-joins-european-countries-to-condemn-israels-west",
        "published": "2026-08-21T20:42:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}