The Guardian: “Israel” Blackmails US, Release of Spy vs. Extension of Moratorium

The Guardian British newspaper reported on Monday that "Israel" is seeking the release of an American jailed for life for spying for the Zionist state in return for concessions in the renewed peace process with the Palestinians, including the extension of a partial moratorium on the expansion of settlements in the occupied territories.

The British daily revealed that the "Israeli" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to extend the partial freeze for three months in return for the release of an American jailed for life on charges of spying for Tel Aviv Jonathan Pollard, a former navy intelligence analyst convicted of spying in 1987.

The "Israeli" Army Radio said Netanyahu had asked an anonymous intermediary to sound out the Obama administration about the proposal, but it is not known what response was received. "Israeli" leaders have been pressing for Pollard's release. In 1998, Netanyahu said that "if we signed an agreement, I expected a pardon for Pollard."

Earlier, "Israel" has refused to extend the partial 10-month freeze, which expires on the 26th of September. The latest round of the US-backed direct talks held between Netanyahu and acting Palestinian Authority Chief Mahmoud Abbas were futile.

Pollard began passing US secrets to Aviem Sella, an "Israeli" military officer, in 1984 in return for cash and jewellery. He was arrested by the FBI on charges of selling classified material to "Israel", which was later sold to the Soviets. Pollard was jailed for life under a plea agreement and his wife sentenced to five years in prison.