Jonathan Pollard: Former Israel Spy to Be Released on Parole

Former US Navy intelligence Jonathan Pollard, who was convicted of spying for Israel, is set to be released on parole from a federal prison.

Jonathan Pollard, now 61, was caught selling classified documents in 1985 and given a life sentence two years later.

Campaigners and successive Israeli governments have tried to secure Jonathan Pollard’s early release.

The case has been one of the most contentious issues between the two countries for the past 30 years.

Jonathan Pollard has been serving his sentence at a prison in North Carolina. His parole terms bar him from leaving the US without permission for five years.

He has said he wants to move to Israel to be reunited with his second wife.

In 2014, it was reported that the US was considering freeing Jonathan Pollard in exchange for concessions from Israel to the Palestinians amid faltering peace talks.

Jonathan Pollard’s lawyers said earlier this year that they had found employment and accommodation for their client in the New York area, but gave no further details.

At the time of his arrest, Jonathan Pollard said he gave classified documents to Israel, a key US ally, because Washington was not passing on important information.

However, some intelligence officials have said that Jonathan Pollard also offered information to other countries.

Israel initially denied Jonathan Pollard had spied for them. However, in 1996, Israel made Jonathan Pollard a citizen and two years later officials admitted he was their agent.