Noises about him possibly being released soon.
No decision has been made yet on Mr. Pollard, said one official, who asked not to be identified because the person was discussing private deliberations. A decision to release Mr. Pollard would be in the context of a broader agreement to extend the talks between the Israelis and Palestinians, officials said, and would require President ObamaÂs approval.
But time and politics have coalesced to make his release more plausible this time. Intelligence officials are no longer likely to object as fiercely to freeing Mr. Pollard, who is 59, said to be ailing and would be eligible for parole in November 2015. And his release could provide the Obama administration with a way to coax additional concessions from Israel as it pursues a broader peace accord, which Mr. Kerry and Mr. Obama have made a centerpiece of their diplomacy.
If it actually helps Bibi make a sensible agreement and ends settlement building so that negotiations can actually take place, then it would be a good trade. If it's just the first of a continuing set of demands from us for Israel to do what it must to have peace, well, ...
Cheers,
Scott.