Release of Israeli spy

The potential release by the United States of a convicted Israeli spy could become the linchpin for a broader deal that would keep Israeli-Palestinian peace talks underway at least through 2015, breaking a stalemate that has threatened to derail negotiations overseen by Secretary of State John F. Kerry. An official familiar with the talks said negotiators are discussing in broad outline a plan that would require Israel to slow settlement construction and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The Palestinians would in turn agree not to pursue recognition of a Palestinian state or other redress through the United Nations in order to keep alive the hope for a solution negotiated between the two sides. Britain's Queen Elizabeth (2nd L) and Rosemary Ussher, chair of the Windsor Greys Jubilee Appeal, look on during the unveiling of the Windsor Greys statue in Windsor, southern England March 31, 2014. The statue marks sixty years of Queen Elizabeth's Coronation in 2013 and the important role played by Windsor Greys horses in the ceremonial life of Britain's royal family. U.S. is considering release of Israeli spy as a means to keep Israeli-Palestinian peace talks going. Kerry is scheduled to return to Israel on Wednesday to continue the discussions. An official familiar with some of the details of the proposal said that under one scenario, Jonathan Pollard could be released in time for the Jewish holiday of Passover, which begins in two weeks, and that Israel would in the same time frame release 26 Palestinian prisoners serving extensive sentences, including for murdering Israelis.