Convicted ’Israeli’ Spy Pollard to be Paroled

Local Editor

Jonathan Pollard, who has served nearly 30 years in prison for spying for "Israel", said Tuesday the US has granted him parole and he will be released in November.

Pollard, an American, was arrested in November 1985 as he tried unsuccessfully to gain asylum in "Israel's" Washington embassy in a sensational espionage case that captivated public attention and stoked passions. He was sentenced to life in prison.

According to the information the former US Navy intelligence officer will be required to remain in the United States for five years under the terms of his parole, the attorneys said.

The US has previously dangled his release, including during "Israel"-Palestinian talks last year, when the Obama administration considered the possibility of releasing Pollard early as part of a package of incentives to keep Israel at the negotiating table.

White House and other officials have adamantly denied that Pollard's planned release is in any way tied to the Iran nuclear deal.

And "Israeli" officials have said while they would welcome Pollard's release, it would not ease their opposition to the Iran agreement.

Secretary of State John Kerry, who testified before Congress on the deal Tuesday, told reporters Pollard's parole was "not at all" related to the nuclear deal.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team