Report: US to Release Israeli Spy Jonathan Pollard

Wall Street Journal says it could happen in weeks
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 24, 2015 3:09 PM CDT
Report: US to Release Israeli Spy Jonathan Pollard
A 1998 photo of Jonathan Pollard in prison.   (AP Photo/Karl DeBlaker, File)

The US is getting ready to release one of its most high-profile prisoners. The Wall Street Journal reports that Jonathan Pollard, the former Navy analyst who is serving a life sentence for spying on behalf of Israel, could be released in a matter of weeks. The 60-year-old was convicted in 1985 and is up for parole in November for the first time. The Journal's sources say he may be released even before then, in part to soothe Israel's anger over the Iran nuclear deal.

There's no official confirmation, and after several similar media reports surfaced earlier this month, the Times of Israel spoke to one of Pollard's attorneys, who sounded skeptical. “We have not received any word, and I would expect that either I or my client would be the ones who would be notified,” said Eliot Lauer. Pollard got caught passing along classified information to Israeli operatives and eventually pleaded guilty. Supporters say his health has been deteriorating recently. (More Jonathan Pollard stories.)

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