Jonathan Pollard was a civilian intelligence analyst for the U.S. Navy when he began selling classified military intelligence to Israel in the mid-1980s. His activities came to light in 1985, leading to his arrest and subsequent plea agreement. During the proceedings, Pollard admitted to providing Israel with thousands of documents that revealed sensitive information regarding U.S. military capabilities and strategies, along with details about Arab military capabilities. This information was intended to assist Israel in its intelligence-gathering and defensive operations amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Pollard's actions sparked a tumultuous response across multiple fronts, from government officials to the public. Critics of Pollard viewed his actions as a severe breach of trust and a threat to national security. Meanwhile, some within the Jewish community and supporters of Israel saw him as a patriot who acted out of a sense of duty towards a vital ally. Pollard's case highlighted the complexities of espionage, loyalty, and the varying perceptions of national interests during the Cold War, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

After pleading guilty, Pollard was sentenced to life in prison in 1987, a controversial decision that led to ongoing debates over his treatment compared to other spies and the level of his betrayal. His sentence and ongoing imprisonment became a focal point for discussions about U.S. justice regarding espionage and U.S.-Israeli relations, illustrating the broader implications of intelligence sharing and espionage in international diplomacy.