WASHINGTON – Convicted American spy Jonathan Pollard could be released from federal prison within months.
Pollard becomes eligible for parole in November, on the 30th anniversary of his arrest on charges of selling classified information to Israel.
U.S. officials say they’re unlikely to oppose his parole.
READ MORE: White House: No decision to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard
His attorney, Eliot Lauer, told The Associated Press on Friday that he hoped his client would be released, but said he had received no commitment from the Obama administration.
Supporters of Pollard, a former U.S. Navy intelligence analyst, argue that he was punished excessively and note that he spied for an ally.
The U.S. has previously dangled his release, including during Israel-Palestinian talks last year. His release now could be seen as a concession to Israel, which strongly opposed the just-concluded U.S. nuclear deal with Iran.
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