http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/878455.html
They just don't give up, those Mossad guys
By Reuven Pedatzur
Prisoner Nachum Manbar has gone on prison leave 56 times since being
jailed in 1997. During those leaves he was not required to report on
his whereabouts to anyone and no restrictions were applied to him.
The Shin Bet general security service approved the terms of his leave
with the full support of Yehiel Horev, who was in charge of security
for the defense establishment and known for his stringent approach.
About two weeks ago, after serving two thirds of a 16-year jail
sentence for selling arms to Iran, the release committee was about to
meet to consider Manbar's case. Surprisingly, the State Prosecutor's
position was against the release, as were the Mossad and the Shin Bet.
The first argument raised by the State Prosecutor's Office was "the
danger Manbar presented as a free man." There is concern, according
to the State Prosecutor's Office, that upon his release, Manbar would
resume his arms trading deals with Iran. But Manbar could have done
so during his many leaves from prison, when, as mentioned, he was not
subject to any supervision. It is doubtful that Iran would be willing
to resume the contact with Manbar after the whole affair exploded.
