Krassimir Ivandjiiski
Home Archive Search Sponsors About us Contact

Translate
Select Language




US to Release Convicted Israeli Spy Pollard, Officials Say



As the Obama administration struggles to mend relations with a frustrated ally in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal, the US may release a convicted Israeli spy who’s been imprisoned for nearly thirty years.

 

In the summer of 1984, Jonathan Pollard began working for US Naval Intelligence Command and soon after met a former Israeli Air Force colonel named Aviem Sella. Of his own volition, Pollard offered to pass classified information to Israeli intelligence.

In exchange, Pollard received tens of thousands of dollars, meals, and jewelry, including a diamond and sapphire ring which he later used to propose.

© REUTERS/ Ammar Awad

Former CIA Officer: Israel Pressing US Congress to Defeat Iran Nuclear Deal

 

Only one year after beginning his career in espionage, Pollard was picked up by federal agents. After pleading guilty, Pollard was sentenced to life in prison, where he has remained since 1985.

The punishment has been deemed overly harsh by many, in particular the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has personally fought for the release of Pollard, now 60 years old. Previously, the Obama administration hasn’t shown any sign of budging.

"I have no plans for releasing Jonathan Pollard immediately but what I am going to be doing is to make sure that he, like every other American who’s been sentenced, is accorded the same kinds of review and the same examination of the equities that any other individual would provide," President Obama told an Israeli interviewer last year.

But the Iran nuclear deal finalized by Tehran and the P5+1 negotiators earlier this month could be changing Washington’s stance. Prime Minister Netanyahu was one of the most vocal opponents, and the agreement has driven a wedge between Israel and the United States.

© AP Photo/ ARIEL SCHALIT

Snowden Files: Israeli Commandos Killed Senior Syrian General

 

Pollard is up for parole in November, and while neither he nor his attorney had much hope for his release, several US officials are now pushing for just such a scenario. According to the Wall Street Journal, some officials even expect to Pollard to be free within a matter of weeks.

Other officials stress that the process could still take months, and strongly deny that it bears any relation to the Iran deal. Still, a release prior to his scheduled parole hearing would be highly unusual.

Officials with the White House and Justice Department have denied reports that Pollard will be released, adding that the Obama administration has no control over the parole process.

Suspect Wanted to 'Set Example' by Killing Former Spy Litvinenko - Witness

 

"[The Justice Department] has always and continues to maintain that Jonathan Pollard should serve his full sentence for the serious crimes he committed," a DOJ official told Reuters.

"There is absolutely zero linkage between Mr. Pollard's status and foreign policy considerations," Alistair Baskey, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, added.

While the possibility of Pollard’s freedom has been discussed in the past, the notion has always received strong opposition from the US intelligence community. Senior officials in the CIA, FBI, and Justice Department are likely to criticize any prisoner release which does not involve reciprocation from the Israeli side.

Others have argued that a 30-year imprisonment is ample punishment, especially given the fact Pollard was convicted of spying for such a close US ally.

Officials with the Justice Department have denied suggestions that Pollard will be released



 



 
"Строго секретно" излиза от 1991г. Вестникът е уникално издание за кулисите на висшата политика, геополитиката, шпионажа, финансовите престъпления, конспирацията, невероятното, трагичното и смешното.
Strogo Sekretno is the home for the highest politics, geopolitics, geo-economics, world crisis, weapons, intelligence, financial crimes...
(c) 1991-2025, Strogosekretno.com, All Rights Reserved
Contents may not be reproduces in whole or in part without permission of publisher. Information presented in Strogo Sekretno may or may not represent the views of Strogo Sekretno, its staff, or its advertisers.
Strogo Sekretno assume no responsibility for the reliability of advertisements presented in the newspaper. Strogo Sekretno respects the privacy of our subscribers. Our subscriber mailing list is not available for sale or sharing.
Reprint permission: contact@strogosekretno.com