Pollard undergoes surgery

Convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard was takento hospital for an urgent operation, suggesting a further deterioration in his health. Pollard has been suffering ately from many medical complications in his gallbladder and kidneys. He was supposed to undergo surgery last week, but it was postponed due to a visit by Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren. Pollard's wife, Esther, said that since receiving the news from the prison management she is extremely concerned and said the authorities have refused to inform her where her husband is being treated. Knesset member Uri Ariel, who chairs the lobby for Pollard in the Knesset, said Pollard's imprisonment is a humanitarian disgrace. Pollard was arrested in 1986 as he tried to seek asylum at the Israeli Embassy in Washington. He was convicted of espionage for Israel and was sentenced to life imprisonment. The U.S. has steadfastly refused to shorten Pollard's sentence or grant him a pardon, despite requests by Israeli prime ministers and ministers.