US refuses Israeli request for Pollard’s release when pressured to release Arab prisoners

PM Netanyahu asked the U.S. to release Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard as part of peace talks deal with Palestinians.

Israeli official: Government determined to release Pollard, but only through standard procedures in their prison system.

By Shlomo Cesana, Yori Yalon and Israel Hayom Staff

U.S. President Barack Obama has refused another Israeli request for the release of imprisoned Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard. During talks that preceded the announcement of the renewal of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations, Netanyahu asked for Pollard’s release and was rebuffed by the Americans.