Netanyahu to Kerry: Pollard's life in danger, let him die a free man

Netanyahu asked Kerry to bring his influence to bear in releasing Pollard during a phone conversation between the two men on Saturday.

JPost.com Staff - The Jerusalem Post - December 6, 2014

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu implored US Secretary of State John Kerry to free imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard following reports that the former US Navy analyst's health had taken a turn for the worse, according to Israeli media.

Netanyahu asked Kerry to bring his influence to bear in releasing Pollard during a phone conversation between the two men on Saturday.

The premier apparently spoke to Kerry before receiving the latest updates on Pollard's health. After being hospitalized on Friday after losing consciousness, the condition of the incarcerated agent convicted by the US of spying for Israel had improved to the point where he would be soon returned to prison under the supervision of medical officials in his facility, according to his wife, Esther.

His condition is no longer life-threatening, she said. Pollard is expected to undergo surgery in the near future.

Effi Lahav, a spokesperson for the Pollard family, confirmed the report of his initial hospitalization but said the reason 60-year-old Pollard lost consciousness was yet unknown.

"Unfortunately we do not have any further information, but we are hoping and praying since he has been hospitalized in the past in very dangerous circumstances," Lahav said.

Following the hospitalization, Israel Radio reported that Netanyahu spoke with Pollard's wife by phone of Friday afternoon, expressing hope for his speedy recovery on behalf of all of Israel.

View original article.


See Also: