Edelstein handed Pollard a letter from Netanyahu in which the prime minister promised: "I will not spare any effort to bring about your release from jail."

The spokesman described Pollard as "unbelievably positive." Edelstein called him "a very warm and intelligent man."

The visit was intended to generate publicity for Pollard's case. Pollard asked that other ministers visit him "to keep up the momentum," said the spokesman, noting that Pollard gets hundreds of letters of support.