In this May 15, 1998 file photo, Jonathan Pollard speaks during an interview in a conference room at the Federal Correction Institution in Butner, NC. -- PHOTO: AP
JERUSALEM - ISRAEL'S prime minister on Tuesday pledged to press President Barack Obama to release a convicted Israeli spy sentenced to life in prison - a step that could reopen a case that has been an ongoing source of tension between the two allies for 25 years.
Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday he would ask the American president in the coming days 'in a formal and public manner' to release former Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard.
The plea got a cool reception in Washington. 'I am not aware that that's something that the president is looking at doing,' White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters.
Pollard was a civilian intelligence analyst for the US Navy when he was arrested by FBI agents in Washington in 1985. He pleaded guilty to passing secrets to Israel and received a life sentence.
Pollard enjoys widespread sympathy in Israel, where many believe the sentence was too harsh.
Israeli leaders, including Mr Netanyahu, have frequently raised the Pollard case in the past, but have been rebuffed by both Democratic and Republican administrations. The case is vividly remembered by members of the military and intelligence communities. In those circles, any leniency for Pollard is steadfastly opposed. -- AP
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