White House press secretary Jay Carney refused to contradict reports that the United States might release convicted Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard as part of a deal to extend peace talks with the Palestinians.

“I have nothing new about Jonathan Pollard that I haven’t said in the past, which is that he was convicted of espionage and that he is serving his sentence,” Carney replied when CBS‘ Major Garrett asked if he would reiterate the longstanding U.S. refusal to release Pollard.