The life sentence given to a spy for Israel in 1987 still reverberates today . Israel has sought Jonathan Pollard 's release for years . Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home Party said he opposed freeing `` murderers '' in exchange for Pollard 's release . Israeli government and justice officials oppose any early release . The issue weighs on diplomatic , political and religious grounds .
The life sentence given to a spy for Israel in 1987 still reverberates today . Israel has sought Jonathan Pollard 's release for years . Israeli government and justice officials oppose any early release . The issue weighs on diplomatic , political and religious grounds .