Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, who served 30 years in prison in the U.S., was refused a gun license by the police and the Jerusalem District Court, after failing to comply with their existing regulations. But after he appealed to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the decision was reversed.
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The Minister said Pollard had not been convicted of terrorism offenses or incitement and therefore posed no danger to Israel.
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Jonathan Pollard and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, Shalev Shalom)
In April, Ben-Gvir approved regulations that would make it easier for Israelis to obtain a license to hold firearms as part of his response to a surge in terror attacks and amid rising crime.
According to the new protocol, IDF combat soldiers discharged in the past five years, Israelis on active reserve duty, policemen and firemen would be exempt from review. Eligible applicants would only have to present approval of mental and physical capacity and show they have no criminal record.
Pollard moved to Israel with his wife, who had since died, in December 2020 after he completed his parol and all restrictions on his movements were removed. He was met at the airport by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who celebrated his release from jail where he was serving a decades-long term for spying for Israel.
His wife Esther had already been suffering from cancer when the couple arrived and had since succumbed to her illness.
First published: 13:21, 07.31.23