U.S. Ambassador to Israel Holds Unusual Meeting with Former Spy Jonathan Pollard

Friendly exchange at the Washington Embassy in Jerusalem

In a rare diplomatic encounter, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sat down with Jonathan J. Pollard, the former Navy intelligence analyst who was convicted of espionage in 1987. The meeting, which took place inside the American embassy in Jerusalem, was described by Pollard as “cordial” and “unexpectedly warm.”

Pollard, who has spent more than three decades in prison before being released on parole, said the conversation focused on “personal reflections” and “the broader implications of his case for U.S.–Israel relations.” He added that the ambassador’s willingness to meet “signaled a degree of openness that is not often seen in official channels.”

While the U.S. State Department did not comment on the specifics of the discussion, officials noted that such face‑to‑face meetings between high‑ranking diplomats and individuals with a criminal conviction for spying are highly unusual. Observers suggest the encounter could reflect a broader shift in how Washington addresses historical espionage cases.

Both participants emphasized that the dialogue was conducted in a “respectful” manner, with no indication of any policy changes or formal statements emerging from the meeting.