WASHINGTON, Nov 20 (Reuters) – The White Home was unaware of a gathering between U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Jonathan Pollard, the previous U.S. Navy analyst who spent three a long time in jail for spying for Israel, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt mentioned on Thursday.
The New York Occasions reported on Thursday that Huckabee met Pollard in July on the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. The assembly was saved off Huckabee’s official schedule and caught U.S. officers unexpectedly, the Occasions reported.
Leavitt advised reporters that though the administration had no advance data of the encounter, “the president stands by our ambassador, Mike Huckabee, and all that he’s doing for america and Israel.”
Pollard, in an interview with an Israeli information channel, mentioned the assembly with Huckabee happened at his request.
“I had initially requested the interview for a really private purpose,” he mentioned to Israel’s i24 Information. “I wished to specific my honest appreciation for all of the efforts that he had expended on my behalf after I was in jail.”
Huckabee, whereas working for the Republican presidential nomination in 2011, advocated for Pollard’s launch.
Pollard was convicted in 1987 and sentenced to life ― the harshest punishment ever for spying for an ally ― for passing extremely labeled U.S. materials to Israel.
He served 30 years earlier than being paroled in 2015 and shifting to Israel in 2020.
The case careworn U.S.-Israel relations, and lots of within the U.S. intelligence group nonetheless view his case as one of the vital damaging breaches of labeled data in U.S. historical past, whereas some in Israel regard him as a hero.
The Occasions mentioned the assembly “alarmed” the CIA and marked a break from the long-standing follow of U.S. officers avoiding contact with convicted spies.
It was unclear whether or not Huckabee sought administration approval, elevating issues the assembly may sign a softer U.S. stance on espionage by allies.
Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israel and political ally of President Donald Trump, has cultivated shut ties with Israeli leaders because the administration deepens diplomatic and safety cooperation.
The Occasions mentioned Huckabee has additionally sought to strengthen ties with Israel’s proper wing, with which Pollard is aligned.
