WASHINGTON – U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee met quietly this summer at the American Embassy in Jerusalem with Jonathan Pollard, the former U.S. naval intelligence analyst who served decades in prison for passing classified information to Israel.
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According to the New York Times, Pollard confirmed the meeting and described it as cordial. It was also the first time since his parole that he had been hosted by an American official inside a U.S. government building overseas.
The Times reports that the meeting was not listed on Huckabee’s public schedule, and that some U.S. personnel were unaware it had taken place. The embassy declined to provide details, saying only that the ambassador meets with a variety of individuals as part of his role.
Pollard, who moved to Israel after his travel restrictions were lifted several years ago, maintains strong support among parts of the Israeli public. He said he thanked Huckabee for his past advocacy on his behalf.
The Times also noted that Huckabee has met with a range of Israeli political and public figures in recent months, reflecting his ongoing outreach across the country.
Pollard, now 71, has spoken in recent interviews about his life in Israel and his interest in future public involvement.