Haaretz Daily Newspaper: Benjamin Netanyahu sends letter to Obama asking for spy Jonathan Pollard's release

Jonathan Pollard

This letter will surely cause an outcry among the intelligence and military chiefs. It could also signal that the Israelis and Palestinians are making peace progress without the involvement of the US.

It will be interesting to see how the GOP reacts to the letter.

Obama should play hardball with Benjamin Netanyahu and no release should be considered until Israel  signs, seals and delivers a peace agreement with Palestine that defines the border between the two countries.  The issue of Bethlehem and the Temple Mount also has to be settled. Netanyahu's letter follows:

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the people of Israel, I am writing to you to request clemency for Jonathan Pollard.

At the time of his arrest, Jonathan Pollard was acting as an agent of the Israeli government. Even though Israel was in no way directing its intelligence efforts against the United States, its actions were wrong and wholly unacceptable. Both Mr. Pollard and the Government of Israel have repeatedly expressed remorse for these actions, and Israel will continue to abide by its commitment that such wrongful actions will never be repeated.

As you know, Mr. President, I have raised the question of Jonathan Pollard’s release numerous times in discussions with your administration and with previous U.S. administrations. Previous Israeli Prime Ministers and Presidents have also requested clemency for Mr. Pollard from your predecessors.

Since Jonathan Pollard has now spent 25 years in prison, I believe that a new request for clemency is highly appropriate. I know that this view is also shared by former senior American officials with knowledge of the case as well as by numerous Members of Congress.

Jonathan Pollard has reportedly served longer in prison than any person convicted of similar crimes, and longer than the period requested by the prosecutors at the time of his plea bargain agreement. Jonathan has suffered greatly for his actions and his health has deteriorated considerably.

I know that the United States is a country based on fairness, justice and mercy. For all these reasons, I respectfully ask that you favorably consider this request for clemency. The people of Israel will be eternally grateful.

Sincerely yours,

Benjamin Netanyahu

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