Israel sheds crocadile tears, promises to spy on America differently

[Narmer]

Isn't that nice. I guess we should just let him go because of that sincere promise, right? Perhaps NetanYahoo! should propose to trade places with Pollard.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/europe/01/04/israel.us.spy/index.html?hpt=T2

Israel's PM pleads for Obama to release spy

By the CNN Wire Staff


STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Israel will never again spy on the United States the way Jonathan Pollard did, the PM says
• Benjamin Netanyahu is appealing for the release of Pollard
• Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, is serving a life sentence for spying
• He wrote to Netanyahu to ask for help

RELATED TOPICS

• Israel
• U.S. Government

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly appealed to U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard, promising Israel would never again spy on the United States in the way Pollard did.
"Jonathan has suffered greatly for his actions and his health has deteriorated considerably," Netanyahu argued. "The people of Israel will be eternally grateful" to Obama if he pardons him, he added.
"Both Mr. Pollard and the government of Israel have repeatedly expressed remorse for these actions, and Israel will continue to abide by its commitment that such wrongful actions will never be repeated," Netanyahu said in a speech in Israel's parliament, the Knesset.
"At the time of his arrest, Pollard was acting as agent of the Israeli government. Even though Israel was in no way directing its intelligence efforts against the United States, its actions were wrong and wholly unacceptable," Netanyahu said, reading aloud the letter he sent to Obama.
The White House has received the letter and "will review it," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said Tuesday.
Netanyahu agreed in December to formally request the release of Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst who was caught spying for Israel in 1985 and was sentenced in 1987 to life imprisonment.
He has already served 25 years of his sentence.
In December, Pollard's wife hand-delivered a letter from Pollard to Netanyahu, pleading for help.
Many Israeli leaders over the years have requested Pollard's release, Netanyahu observed in his letter to Obama.
"Since Jonathan Pollard has now spent 25 years in prison, I believe that a new request for clemency is highly appropriate," he said.
"Jonathan Pollard has reportedly served longer in prison than any person convicted of similar crimes, and longer than the period requested by the prosecutors at the time of his plea bargain agreement," he added.
The Central Intelligence Agency declined to comment on Netanyahu's request for Obama to release Pollard.
Then-CIA Director George Tenet threatened to resign in 1998 if then-President Bill Clinton pardoned Pollard, Tenet wrote in his autobiography.
Netanyahu, who was prime minister at the time, offered to make concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians in exchange for Pollard's release, Tenet said.
CNN's Guy Azriel, Jill Doughterty, Pam Benson and Izzy Lemberg contributed to this report.

 

[theeedude]

Yeah, Obama will review it like Bibi reviewed the settlement freeze request.

 

[Albatross]

Obama will pardon him in his last day in the office just like Bill Clinton pardoned another asshole

 

[5150Joker]

I promise I won't stab you in the back and get caught again! Really I promise!

 

[Freshgeardude]

Yeah, Obama will review it like Bibi reviewed the settlement freeze request.

Well then Obama will try hard then.

Learn your facts before u bash.


Netanyahu wanted the settlement request. His coailation governrment didn't
He can't go against their decisions or he loses support as PM and then there would be reelections in Israel.




The story is also a repost, so it should be locked.



Netanyahu can ask for anything, that doesn't mean hewill get it. Same goes for any leader. IMO if he committed treason, let him stay in prison. but lets also remember that Ireland let the lockerbie bomb guy go free for health reasons. I think netanyahu is asking because Pollard is also very sick.

Either way Obama decides, I'd be ok with.

 

[Infohawk]

LOL. Making concessions in peace talks in return for Pollard's release is also laughable.

 

[Lemon law]

There may be actually some merit in the USA releasing Pollard after 25 years. After all, after 25 years Pollard no longer knows anything of value and will not be allowed to come anyway close to compromising any USA secrets.

But then again, Bozo Netanyuhu wants Pollard freed, ole Bozo had better make significant concessions, little things like having a permanent Israeli Settlement freezes in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Failing that Israel simply is not sincere in its desires, and once again simply wants something for nothing. While Israel keeps selling US technology to China, and also thumbs its nose at the USA and the international community.

 

[Lemon law]

And now FGD comes back with the totally ridiculous contention that Bozo Netanyuhu has his heart in the right place but his supporters won't let him. Yet another Israeli propaganda line that no one in their right mind will believe. Netanyuhu has spent his whole political life pandering to settler parties. The idea of a new Netanyuhu is about as believable as the New Nixon was in 8/1974.

 

[Jaskalas]

Lemon and I agree that he should be released... but when I see the next lines as 'for the terrorists' I must vehemently protest your intentions. You have an agenda for the Palestinians and so you wish to use this to their advantage. It's understandable.

 

[Narmer]

Let him dies of AIDS in jail. If he wanted to work for Israel he should go to Israel. American Jews get automatic citizenship there. Extra points if you're from Brooklyn.

 

[Freshgeardude]

And now FGD comes back with the totally ridiculous contention that Bozo Netanyuhu has his heart in the right place but his supporters won't let him. Yet another Israeli propaganda line that no one in their right mind will believe. Netanyuhu has spent his whole political life pandering to settler parties. The idea of a new Netanyuhu is about as believable as the New Nixon was in 8/1974.

Bahahah you know absolutely nothing on the issue then.


If I wasn't on my phone, I'd look up the link where netanyahu stated he wanted the care pacakge but his couldn't get the support of his government.


It doesn't have to be a "new" netanyahu. The care package was a great deal for Israel., that was enough reason for netanyahu to support it

 

[Vette73]

I would let him out if we got something out of it. Reason is he will get out in 2015 anyways so drag it out another year or so and at best he saves 3 years and we get something out of it and don;t have to pay to keep him here.


Now if he was not already getting out I would say F it. The guy, and israel, were both ass's after they were caught.