U.S. Cuts Data to Israel Over Spy Inquiry

The United States has reduced its sharing of intelligence information with Israel since Jonathan Jay Pollard, a Navy analyst, was arrested on charges of espionage, the Pentagon said today.

The reduction is expected to be temporary, depending on cooperation by Israeli officials with an American investigating team now in Israel.

“We certainly do not foresee that these steps we have taken would remain in effect for a long period of time,” said Fred Hoffman, a Pentagon spokesman.

Pollard was arrested at the Israeli Embassy Nov. 21 and charged with espionage. He is being held without bond. His wife, Anne Henderson-Pollard, also is being held without bail pending grand jury action on charges of unauthorized possession of classified documents.

Data on Arab Nations

The Navy analyst had provided Israel with classified documents on the military capabilities of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and other “moderate” Arab countries, including their radar-jamming techniques, a U.S. official has told the Associated Press.

The Israeli government apologized Dec. 1 for the alleged espionage, “to the extent that it did take place,” and said if it was confirmed by investigators any spy unit involved would be disbanded.

“In the aftermath of the Pollard case revelations,” Hoffman said, “we did slow down cooperation in a few areas until we had an opportunity to assess fully the effects of Pollard’s actions.”