Jonathan Pollard would not turn down an opportunity to receive presidential commutation of his life sentence as part of an agreement in which Palestinian and Israeli prisoners are released, well-placed sources told The Jerusalem Post Tuesday.
Pollard’s release would be presented as a gesture to Israel by US president Barack Obama, who has made similar gestures to Russia. Commuting Pollard’s life sentence to the 28 and a half years he has served may not be considered an official part of the deal.
According to the Post, the sources said that Pollard, whose health continues to deteriorate, understood that the only way for him to be released from prison alive was via such an agreement. They vigorously denied reports that he had rejected a parole hearing due to opposition to being included in such a deal.
Sources knowledgeable about the legal initiatives to secure Pollard’s release said his lawyers had merely asked to postpone the hearing due to pending litigation.
{Andy Heller-Matzav.com Newscenter}
