Possible release of Israeli spy

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Possible release of Israeli spy
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The United States and Israel are discussing the
possible release of Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard
as part of efforts to save fragile Middle East
peace negotiations. No decisions have been made
about Pollard's release, which the sources
cautioned was far from certain and would need to
be approved by President Barack Obama. Pollard's
possible release was being discussed as part of a
broader agreement that had not been finalized.
Talk of Pollard's possible release came as
Secretary of State John Kerry traveled to Israel
Monday to try and mediate a dispute between
Israel and the Palestinians over the release of
Palestinian prisoners. n exchange for Pollard's
release, the sources said that Israel would have
to make significant concessions to the
Palestinians, which could include a settlement
freeze, the release of additional prisoners
beyond the current group in dispute and an
agreement to continue peace negotiations beyond
the end of April deadline. Pollard, a former U.S.
intelligence analyst arrested and charged with
spying for Israel, was convicted in 1987 and is
currently serving out a life sentence in the
United States. His imprisonment has been a source
of tension between the U.S. and Israel. But with
peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians
faltering, his release is being considered as a
possible incentive for Israeli concessions. Kerry
met Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu and was expected to meet with
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday.
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