Prime Minister's Statement

Cabinet Communique - January 17, 1999
Government Press Office

The Absorption Minister sharply attacked MK

Ehud Barak

for refusing to sign a joint letter to President Clinton calling for the release of Jonathan Pollard.

"I wish to express my disgust over Barak's refusal to join the Prime Minister's entreaty to President Clinton for the release of Jonathan Pollard."

The Prime Minister responded: "I am very disappointed by Barak's refusal to sign the request for Pollard's freedom. This is a matter of national, not political, interest; all Israelis understand that the State of Israel must bring Pollard -- who worked on Israel's behalf -- home. I had hoped for a wall-to-wall, national consensus on this matter, which would have strengthened Pollard's chances of being released."