Sources: U.S. Preparing To Release Convicted Israeli Spy Jonathan Pollard
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The United States is reportedly getting ready to release high-profile prisoner Jonathan Pollard, who was convicted in 1985 of spying for Israel.
Sources tell CBS2's Marcia Kramer negotiations are ongoing to release Pollard in November near the 30th anniversary of his conviction.
The former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst was convicted of espionage for giving classified documents to his Israeli handlers.
Pollard said he spied for Israel because he believed in the Jewish state, Kramer reported. Counter intelligence officials said he was well paid for his work.
Pollard was sentenced to life in prison and is soon up for parole, Kramer reported. U.S. officials said they're unlikely to oppose his parole.
The Pollard case has been a political hot potato for generations of American and Israeli politicians. His life sentence has been a continuing source of tension between the two counties.
Presidents Clinton and Bush steadfastly refused to free Pollard, even as Israeli politicians pressured them to do so.
What has apparently led to an easing of the United States' position is President Obama's apparent hope that the move will smooth over relations with Israel in the wake of the Iran nuclear deal, Kramer reported.
Pollard's attorney, Eliot Lauer, told The Associated Press on Friday that he hoped his client would be released, but said he had received no commitment from the Obama administration.
Pollard, now 60, is also said to be in ailing health, Kramer reported.
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