Olmert: Pollard should stay in US, his affair continues to cause us damage

Former prime minister Ehud Olmert says it would be preferable if former spy Jonathan Pollard would not immigrate to Israel, now that his five-year parole period has ended.

Olmert tells the Maariv Business Conference: “Attention to this affair causes continuous, serious damage to Israel, and I suggest avoiding welcome celebrations for Pollard if he decides to come to Israel.”

Olmert said he was happy Pollard is free to move around in New York, but he should remain there.

He says the case can still damage Israel today if American security officials see Israel “continue to make use of this affair for Israeli political purposes.”

He adds: “He was a spy who worked for a lot of money. He was not a Zionist volunteer who sacrificed his life. He was an American, who cared for Israel, who worked for a lot of money.”