Jonathan Pollard, former U.S. naval intelligence officer turned spy for Israel who spent the past 30 years in federal prison, was released Friday.
The 61-year-old former intelligence officer walked free from medium-security federal prison in Butner, N.C. after being granted parole this summer.
He was arrested in 1985 after he tried to enter the Israeli Embassy in Washington to seek asylum. He pleaded guilty in 1986 to conspiracy to commit espionage, and received a life sentence in 1987.
According to U.S. officials, Pollard provided intelligence summaries and classified documents on the capabilities and programs of Israel’s enemies over an 18-month period. He was also reportedly paid for his actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in statement that “the people of Israel welcome the release of Jonathan Pollard. After three long and difficult decades, Jonathan has been reunited with his family. May this Sabbath bring him much joy and peace.”
He is barred from leaving the U.S. for five years, something Israel looks to fight, and according to his lawyers, Pollard intends to live and work in the New York area.
(h/t The Associated Press)
