Jonathan Pollard Announces Candidacy for Israeli Knesset

U.S. intelligence analyst who served 30 years for spying for Israel, says he will run in upcoming Israeli elections. The announcement that Jonathan Pollard will run in upcoming Israeli elections was reported on May 7, 2026.

NPR reported the development, which was heard on Morning Edition that day. Pollard was once jailed for spying for Israel. U.S. intelligence analyst. The report detailed how the one-time prisoner intends to seek a seat in the Israeli parliament.

NPR reported that audio from the segment would be available later on May 7, 2026. Pollard's decision marks a new chapter for the man who spent three decades behind bars in the United States before his eventual release. He has long maintained ties to Israel, the country he was convicted of aiding with classified information.

The former analyst's announcement comes more than a decade after he completed his sentence. Israeli elections have historically drawn candidates with varied security backgrounds, though few with Pollard's particular history. NPR reported the full details in its morning broadcast, framing the story around Pollard's past conviction and his current political ambitions.

M. ET on May 7, 2026. Daniel Estrin contributed reporting to the NPR story. The piece noted Pollard's statement without additional commentary on his prospects for election.