(by Adam Kredo-WJweek). Mitt Romney wouldn't commit to moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem and said that he hasn't yet decided if the Israeli spymaster Jonathan Pollard should be released from prison, according to a source who attended an off-the-record sit down yesterday with the Republican candidate that was organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
"He answered [questions] very frankly," said one attendee.
On the topic of Pollard, Romney said that he "was open to examining" the issue, but stopped short of saying that he would free the spy from federal prison, the source said.
When asked if he would move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem -- a promise that Republican presidential candidates make with ease (but ultimately break once in office) -- Romney said that he would "consult with the government of Israel" before he makes a final decision.
"It's easy for me to promise, but it's something I would consult with the government [of Israel] on," Romney said, according to my source.
"He wouldn't say, 'I'm going to move it tomorrow,' " added the source.
Most attendees, I'm told, reacted "very positively," to Romney's remarks. "He spoke about Israel in a convincing way... [and] didn't just play to the audience," the source said.