Media Release - July 15, 1999
Israeli Govt. Dispels Confusion over Pollard in Washington

Source: Kol Yisrael Radio News, CNN, Yediot Achronot & others

[JERUSALEM] The office of Prime Minister Ehud Barak has denied a report in Yediot Achronot (07/15/99) alleging that Prime Minister Barak stated that the case of Jonathan Pollard is an internal American issue and that he did not intend to raise the matter of Pollard in Washington.

Barak's alleged statement contradicts official Israeli Government policy and calls into question his government's commitment to securing the release of an Israeli agent.

Barak's alleged statement was immediately denied by the Prime Minister's office.

The denial was reported on Kol Yisrael Radio News and confirmed by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

On May 12, 1998 the Govt of Israel officially acknowledged Jonathan Pollard as an Israeli agent and formalized Government policy to seek his release and accept complete responsibility for him.

A CNN News report (07/14/99) confirmed that Prime Minister Barak is expected to raise the issue of Jonathan Pollard's release with President Clinton today, making him the

fifth

Prime Minister of Israel to request the release of Jonathan Pollard. Prime Ministers Shamir, Rabin, Peres, and Netanyahu have all personally requested the release of Jonathan Pollard and been rebuffed.