Rabbi Eliyahu calls on Israeli leaders to do soul searching after allowing 30 years of jail for Pollard, who 'has been gathering strength.'

Tzfat (Safed) Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu welcomed the imminent release of Jonathan Pollard on Friday, and demanded Israeli leaders do some soul searching over how they left him in a US jail for 30 years.

Rabbi Eliyahu spoke to Arutz Sheva about the mixed emotions ahead of the release of Pollard, who was handed a now commuted life sentence for providing information on regional threats to Israel - unlike spies from other allied or even enemy nations that got off with a tiny fraction of his sentence.

"At this moment, we need to look at all of the positive points and rejoice over the release of Jonathan, our brother, coming home," said the rabbi. "A great injustice was committed here against us by the Americans as an ally."

"Also among us people need to do soul searching, starting with former President Shimon Peres and ending with the same minister who was appointed to Jonathan and handed him over to the Americans."

Even amid discussion over whether Pollard will be allowed to come to Israel, Rabbi Eliyahu said he is convinced Pollard will be able to use his skills for the nation of Israel.

"This was a sentence meant to crush a man, but this was a man who is leaving the prison to rule. It's like a seed in the earth that puts out roots and gathers strength, and then comes out and flowers at the height of its strength."

"For Jonathan, that's the reality, he is leaving the prison after gathering a lot of strength over years of incarceration, and all of his strength is coming out with redoubled power, we are waiting for this welcome power," said the rabbi.

According to Rabbi Eliyahu, Pollard can play a great role for the Jewish people despite the inhumane limitations placed on him, including a ban on coming to Israel, using the internet, or leaving his area of residence without permission.

"There are things that he can do, even without being interviewed; he has lots of plans in the field of energy, he can help the nation of Israel with his scientific abilities," concluded the rabbi.