Israeli spy freed — but drama continues

[Valin]

The Hill:

Julian Hattem

11/20/15

 

Jonathan Pollard was released from prison after 30 years on Friday, but the drama isn’t over for the convicted Israeli spy.

 

The 61-year-old former intelligence officer walked free from a federal prison in Butner, N.C., but he will be forced to remain in the United States for an additional five years — against his own wishes as well as those of prominent Democrats and the Israeli government.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly lobbying the Obama administration to ease up the terms of Pollard’s parole and let him move to Israel immediately.

 

Yet the White House is refusing to step in, ensuring that the ex-spy’s status remains in flux and continues to be a point of tension between the U.S. and Israel.

 

“The president has no intention of altering the terms of his parole,” a senior administration official reiterated on Thursday.

 

(Snip)