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AP Interview: Pollard's ex-wife urges Israel to secure his freedom

Associated Press
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Anne Pollard, who was arrested in 1985 as an accomplice to her then-husband Jonathan Pollard, speaks in an interview to The Associated Press in Modiin, near Jerusalem, Israel, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The White House says President Barack Obama has not made a decision on whether to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. People familiar with Mideast peace talks say the United States is talking to Israel about releasing Pollard early from his life sentence as an incentive to the Israelis to keep the troubled negotiations with the Palestinians afloat. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)

Anne Pollard, who was arrested in 1985 as an accomplice to her then-husband Jonathan Pollard, speaks in an interview to The Associated Press in Modiin, near Jerusalem, Israel, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The White House says President Barack Obama has not made a decision on whether to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. People familiar with Mideast peace talks say the United States is talking to Israel about releasing Pollard early from his life sentence as an incentive to the Israelis to keep the troubled negotiations with the Palestinians afloat. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)

Anne Pollard, who was arrested in 1985 as an accomplice to her then-husband Jonathan Pollard, speaks in an interview to The Associated Press in Modiin, near Jerusalem, Israel, Tuesday, April 1, 2014. The White House says President Barack Obama has not made a decision on whether to release convicted spy Jonathan Pollard. People familiar with Mideast peace talks say the United States is talking to Israel about releasing Pollard early from his life sentence as an incentive to the Israelis to keep the troubled negotiations with the Palestinians afloat. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) (The Associated Press)

The ex-wife of imprisoned Jewish-American spy Jonathan Pollard has implored the Israeli government to secure his release.

U.S. officials say they are considering Pollard, who has spent nearly three decades behind bars, as part as a package to extend Mideast peace talks. The emerging deal has raised controversy in Israel because it would include the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Anne Pollard said Tuesday she is praying Israel will do everything in its power to win her former husband's freedom.

She said that neither she nor Pollard support the release of Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of violent attacks on Israelis. But she said Pollard's health is so poor that this may be the only chance for him to go free.