Jonathan J. Pollard, the American who served 30 years in prison for spying for Israel in a Cold War-era espionage case, arrived in Israel on Dec. 30 to a hero’s welcome from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met Mr. Pollard and his wife, Esther, at Ben-Gurion Airport.

The couple descended from a private jet provided by casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson, kissed the tarmac and recited a Jewish prayer of thanks reserved for new experiences. The prime minister than handed Mr. Pollard, who was granted Israeli citizenship in 1995 while in prison, an Israeli identification card. “You’re home,” Mr. Netanyahu said.

A U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, Mr. Pollard gave a range of classified documents to Israel starting in 1984. CIA and Defense Department officials said that his disclosures exposed the abilities of American spy agencies, potentially damaged intelligence collection efforts, and risked exposing sensitive intelligence secrets.

The United States Parole Commission opted in November not to extend the travel restrictions on Mr. Pollard when he was released from a federal prison five years ago.