Netanyahu 'hopes to see Jonathan Pollard in Israel soon' after US lifts parole restrictions

Israeli Health Minister Yuli Edelstein told the Jerusalem Post: “I am sure everyone in the Israeli health system will co-operate with the necessary treatments to enable the Pollards to come home. It is so clear to me that they will get the best medical treatment.”

A statement, from Mr Netanyahu’s office welcomed the lifting of travel restrictions and noted that the Prime Minister had “consistently worked towards securing [Mr] Pollard’s release”.

Mr Pollard was arrested by FBI agents in 1985 after unsuccessfully trying to claim asylum at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. He was sentenced to life in prison, having pleaded guilty to handing thousands of classified documents to Israel.

Attempts to persuade US presidents to grant him clemency failed.

In his statement, Mr Netanyahu thanked Israel’s ambassador to the US, Ron Dermer, for “sensitively leading” the contacts with the Trump administration.

During his parole, Mr Pollard had to wear an electronic tag, remain at home at night and was barred from leaving New York State. He was also not allowed to give interviews to the media.