White House Unaware of Ambassador's Meeting with Convicted Spy Jonathan Pollard in Israel

Undisclosed Meeting Sparks White House Reaction

The White House has confirmed it was not informed in advance of a meeting between US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy intelligence analyst convicted of spying for Israel. The encounter, which reportedly occurred in July at the US Embassy in Jerusalem, has drawn attention and concern from various American officials.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary, stated on Thursday that the administration was 'not aware' of the meeting. However, she emphasized that President Donald Trump 'stands by our ambassador... and all that he is doing for the United States and Israel.'

Details of the Controversial Encounter

The meeting between Ambassador Huckabee and Pollard was reportedly kept off the ambassador's official schedule, surprising American officials and reportedly 'alarmed' the CIA. Typically, US officials are expected to avoid formal or informal interactions with convicted spies.

Jonathan Pollard, who confirmed the meeting, described it as 'friendly.' He stated that he initiated the meeting to express his 'sincere appreciation' for Huckabee's past efforts to support him during his imprisonment. Huckabee had publicly advocated for Pollard's release as early as 2011 during his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

Jonathan Pollard's Background and Release

Jonathan Pollard was a US Navy intelligence analyst who was arrested in 1985 and subsequently convicted in 1987 for passing classified US material to Israel. He received a life sentence, considered one of the harshest punishments ever for spying for an ally. After serving 30 years in prison, he was released on parole in 2015. His parole conditions, which included a curfew, a wrist monitor, and restrictions on travel and employment, were lifted in November 2020, allowing him to move to Israel, a long-held wish.

Pollard's case has historically been a point of tension in US-Israeli relations. While many in the US intelligence community view him as a traitor responsible for one of the most damaging breaches of classified information, he is regarded as a hero by some in Israel.

Diplomatic Implications and Official Responses

The undisclosed nature of the meeting and the lack of prior notification to the White House and CIA have raised questions about diplomatic protocols. The US Embassy in Jerusalem declined to provide specific details about the meeting, stating that the ambassador 'meets with numerous people.' The State Department has not confirmed whether it approved the meeting in advance.

The incident underscores the delicate balance in US-Israeli relations, particularly concerning sensitive intelligence matters and figures like Jonathan Pollard, whose past actions continue to resonate within both nations' political and security establishments.