According to Israel's Army Radio there is a new initiative to secure the release of Jonathan Pollard (serving a life sentence in US prison for spying for Israel) in return to the extension of the settlement freeze.
Political source at the PMO said the initiative based upon the belief that many right wing ministers opposing the settlement freeze would find the release a remedy, though painful, to the settlement freeze extension.
According to the Army Radio, the Israeli source submitted the request to the US administration. The American response was not available.
Dani Dayan, head of Yesha Council (settler's organization) was quoted as saying
"This is an ugly blackmail. No one wants Pollard's release more then we do, but we understand that accepting such a deal can harm Israel's vital interests"
A source at the Prime Minister office told Fox News on condition of aninimity, they will not comment on the issue.
Jonathan Pollard was convicted in 1987 for espionage and is serving a life sentence in the US. Previous attempts to release him faced objection both by US presidents and head of CIA.
