The conflict between Israel and the Palestinians proceeds according to lamentably predictable signals and signs. They provide a road map of sorts for the viewing public, setting targets against which an always elusive progress is measured.
One such constant is the call for the release of Jonathan Pollard, an American who spied on his country at Israel’s behest, and who has been imprisoned for almost three decades. Every Israeli prime minister since Yitzhak Rabin has petitioned Washington for his release. And every request has been denied.
