Envoy backs off Pollard comments

The U.S. ambassador to Israel voiced regret after speaking harshly about Jonathan Pollard. Richard Jones said during a public appearance Monday that Pollard, a U.S. Navy analyst who in 1985 was sentenced to life in prison for passing military secrets to Israel, had “sold out his country” for money and was fortunate not to have been executed. The comments sparked furor in Israel, where many consider Pollard a hero, prompting Jones to issue a statement of clarification Tuesday. In the statement he said his remarks had been “misinformed and misleading,” and did not reflect U.S. policy.”I certainly do not personally believe that Mr. Pollard should have received capital punishment, and I was appalled to learn that I had given that impression,” Jones said. “I regret any distress that I may have caused Mr. Pollard’s family and loved ones.”