Text of Joint Netanyahu-Barak Letter to Clinton

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States of America
The White House, Washington DC

January 10, 1999

Dear Mr. President,

We, the Prime Minister of Israel and the leader of the opposition Labor Party, turn to you with an urgent request that you end the suffering of Jonathan J. Pollard, whose case is currently under review by your office.

Concerning Mr. Pollard, the people of Israel and virtually all its political parties stand as one. We are united in our efforts to end Mr. Pollard's incarceration after fourteen years in prison, many of which were served in isolation. Mr. Pollard has repeatedly expressed contrition and has profusely apologized for his actions.

The unfortunate Pollard affair has driven a wedge between our peoples and governments. We believe it is time to put this unfortunate chapter behind us, and we urge you to commute Mr. Pollard's sentence to time served. By doing this, you will once again show the American people's incomparable capacity for compassion and forgiveness that we all admire and cherish.

Sincerely

Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister

Ehud Barak