MOSCOW, April 1 (RAPSI) – The US and Israel are currently negotiating the release of American national John Pollard convicted of spying for Israeli intelligence, Associated Press reports on Tuesday.

The agency reports that in return for Pollard’s release, Israel is prepared to extend negotiations period with Palestine. This could mean potential halting of Israeli settlements development on disputed territories, a release of another group of Palestinian prisoners, and guarantees that peaceful negotiations will be extended after April 29.

The White House representative Jay Carny refused to comment on any possible negotiations.

Former US Navy Intelligence analyst Johnathan Pollard was arrested in 1985 on espionage charges and sentenced to life in prison. Pollard admitted that he gave sensitive information to Israel, however the full extent of the damage was never evaluated. If no deal between the US and Israel will be struck, Pollard will become eligible for parole only in 2015.

The Israeli authorities have repeatedly brought up Pollard’s release with the US, but no official agreements were reached so far.