Jonathan Pollard is a former United States Navy intelligence analyst who was convicted of spying for Israel in 1987. He served 30 years in prison before being released on parole in 2015. Since then, he has become an international symbol of the debate over U.S.-Israeli relations and the treatment of prisoners held by governments accused of espionage or terrorism-related activities.
Pollard's story began when he joined the US Navy as an intelligence analyst shortly after graduating from college with a degree in political science and economics. While working at his post, Pollard became increasingly concerned about what he perceived to be negligent handling by American authorities regarding information related to Israeli security concerns which were not being shared with their ally nation due to bureaucratic red tape within government agencies such as NSA and CIA . In 1985, Pollard took matters into his own hands deciding that it was necessary for him to pass this sensitive material onto Israeli officials himself so they could better protect themselves against potential threats from hostile nations like Iraq or Syria during that time period .
In 1986, US federal agents arrested Jonathan while attempting to board a flight out of country with classified documents relating back directly towards this issue; subsequently leading him down path towards conviction on one count espionage under 18 USC 794(a). As result ,he received life sentence without possibility parole but later had it reduced following appeals process whereupon release occurred November 20th 2015 after serving thirty years behind bars .
Since his release ,Pollards case continues stir up debates amongst those both inside outside world politics concerning whether justice truly served considering severity punishment given compared others found guilty similar offenses throughout history (e g Aldrich Ames) ; additionally ongoing discussion surrounding moral implications associated actions taken place prior arrest remain present day even today’s current climate between two nations involved situation itself .
