Brief: Jonathan Pollard, whose espionage case strained U.S.-Israel relations for decades, says he regrets his actions and plans to seek a Knesset seat.

Jonathan Pollard, the former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst who served 30 years in American prison for passing classified information to Israel, has publicly apologized for his actions and announced his intention to run for a seat in the Knesset, according to reports from American media.

Pollard's case became one of the most contentious issues in U.S.-Israel relations during his incarceration from 1985 to 2015. While many Israelis viewed him as a hero who provided vital intelligence to a close ally, successive American administrations considered his espionage activities a serious breach of trust that damaged bilateral security cooperation.

The former analyst's apology marks a significant shift in his public posture. For years, Pollard maintained that his actions were justified because he believed the intelligence he provided was crucial to Israeli security and should have been shared through official channels. His change in tone comes as he seeks to transition from his controversial past into Israeli political life.

After his release from prison in 2015, Pollard was required to remain in the United States under parole restrictions. He made aliyah to Israel in 2020 after those conditions expired, receiving a hero's welcome from some segments of Israeli society. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally greeted him upon his arrival, presenting him with an Israeli identity card.

Pollard's announcement that he intends to run for the Knesset raises questions about which party might welcome him as a candidate and how Israeli voters will respond to his controversial background. While some Israelis have long advocated for Pollard and celebrated his dedication to Israel's security, others may view his criminal conviction and lengthy imprisonment as complicating factors for a potential lawmaker.

The intelligence Pollard provided to Israel during his time as a U.S. Navy analyst included sensitive information about Arab military capabilities, Soviet arms shipments to Middle Eastern countries, and other classified material. Israel granted Pollard citizenship in 1995 while he was still imprisoned, and formally acknowledged him as an Israeli agent in 1998, ending years of ambiguity about the official nature of his espionage activities.