US not to release Israeli spy for political gain
The White House has announced that the United States would not release convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard in order to pacify Tel Aviv over Iran’s nuclear agreement.
“There is absolutely zero linkage between Mr. Pollard’s status and foreign policy considerations,” National Security Council spokesperson Alistair Baskey said on Friday.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier that the Obama administration is preparing to release Pollard to “smooth relations with Israel.”
Citing American officials, it added that some US officials are “pushing for Mr. Pollard’s release in a matter of weeks.”
Baskey, however, denied the report and said the prison sentence of the American citizen “will be determined by the United States Parole Commission according to standard procedures.”
Pollard was convicted of passing classified information to Israel and he has been jailed since 1987.
He was sentenced to life in prison, but the Justice Department said he could be released as early as November when he becomes eligible for mandatory parole.
The developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously expressed his opposition to the conclusion of nuclear talks between Iran and the six world powers.
The two sides wrapped up the negotiations in Vienna on July 14.
The US Congress is now reviewing the Vienna accord in order to approve or reject it.
Pro-Israel groups are putting extra pressure on lawmakers to derail the agreement.
The accord does not need Congressional approval to take effect, but Republicans are expected to try and add provision with legislation that would block President Barack Obama from removing anti-Iran sanctions imposed by Congress.
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