"Continue to freeze for the release of Pollard"
From Ilil Shahar IDF Radio Last Updated: 10:01, 20/09/2010
http://glz.co.il/NewsArticle.aspx?NewsId=69123

Jerusalem is exploring a move according to which Israeli spy Jonathan
Pollard is released in exchange for the continued freeze in Judea and
Samaria - Army Radio has learned. The Prime Minister's Office said in
response that there is no change at the end of the freeze. Yesha Council
Chairman Danny Dayan: "This is ugly blackmail, akin to the delivery of the
Golan Heights in exchange for Shalit's release "

First publication: Is a deal being developed - continued freeze in the
settlements for three months, in exchange for the release of Jonathan
Pollard ?

This idea has been rolling around in recent days, and even reached the
office of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Government elements believe that most of
the right wing ministers would be able to "swallow" the very bitter pill of
extending the freeze in the West Bank in such a process.

A private element, engaged for many years studying the Israeli - Palestinian
conflict who is in contact with Palestinian and American officials said that
a few days ago he was approached by someone close to the prime minister and
asked to undertake a discreet and informal check with government officials
as to the feasibility of the matter. The Israeli passed the request to
Washington, but did not know how the Americans responded to the idea. In
addition, various elements indicate that in the opinion polls recently
conducted by the Prime Minister's office, respondents were presented the
question "Would you support extending the freeze for the release of
Pollard?".

Likewise, you can also see that Prime Minister Netanyahu has held no orderly
discussion about the end of the freeze - neither in the government or
cabinet - which might indicate that something is happening behind the scenes
and quietly. Defense Minister Barak is these days visiting Washington and
met with American military officials. It is not known whether the release of
Pollard is the subject of these meetings, but it is certainly a possibility.

The Prime Minister's Office stated in response: "We know of no appeal to the
Americans about it. The Prime Minister has not changed his position: as
Netanyahu said, the freeze ends this Sunday, September 26." Yesha Council
Chairman Danny Dayan: "This ugly blackmail, akin to the delivery of the
Golan Heights in exchange for Shalit." Adi Ginzburg, a Committee for the
release of Pollard, commented on a possible deal with skepticism.