180. Have the US and Israel Always Spied on Each Other? (Ep 2)
Summary
Hosts Gordon Corera and David McCloskey examine the Jonathan Pollard espionage case, detailing how he passed classified US naval intelligence to Israel’s LAKAM unit. They discuss his arrest, failed asylum attempt, and the life sentence he received after lying to investigators and going public. The episode explores the diplomatic fallout, Pollard’s eventual release, and the shift from human spies to technical surveillance in US-Israel relations.
Topics discussed
Introduction and recap of Jonathan Pollard's background
Sponsors: HP, Carvana, and Toyota
The Israeli handlers: LAKAM and Rafi Etan
Mechanics of the espionage operation
The classified documents stolen by Pollard
Discovery, investigation, and the 'Cactus' code
Failed asylum attempt and handlers fleeing
Lack of an extraction plan for Pollard
Plea bargain collapse and media involvement
Sentencing to life imprisonment
Diplomatic fallout and Israeli denial
Pollard's release and move to Israel
Pollard's political career and spy motivations
Modern espionage vs. human intelligence
Conclusion and upcoming episodes
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