Convicted Israel spy Jonathan Pollard may get 'mandatory parole'

WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- The White House is preparing to release Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard from prison perhaps earlier than his November parole-consideration date in a move seen as an effort to placate Israel following the Iran nuclear deal.

The decision is also being seen by some as a way to end the decades-long tension over Pollard, who was sentenced to life in prison in 1987. Israel has long argued the sentence was too harsh and has been repeatedly denied requests for early release.

National Security Council spokesman Alistair Baskey said the decision has nothing to do with the Iran deal, but instead was a recognition that Pollard met the conditions for release. A final decision will be made by an independent parole commission, he said.

Pollard, 60, was arrested for passing secret documents to Israel while working as a civilian analyst with the U.S. Navy. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life. Under the sentencing laws when he was convicted, he has to be considered for parole after 30 years, which comes in November, but that doesn't mean he must be granted parole.

"Mr. Pollard's status will be determined by the United States Parole Commission according to standard procedures. There is absolutely zero linkage between Mr. Pollard's status and foreign policy considerations," Baskey said.

The Justice Department signaled the government was not planning to oppose the release, saying Pollard is "presumptively eligible for mandatory parole."

"The Department of Justice has always and continues to maintain that Jonathan Pollard should serve his full sentence for the serious crimes he committed, which in this case is a 30-year sentence as mandated by statute," said Marc Raimondi, a Justice Department spokesman.