AIPAC to pay Weissman's legal fees

AIPAC reached a deal with lawyers for its former Iran analyst, Keith Weissman, to pay for his defense against Espionage Act charges.

"AIPAC is fully paying for Keith Weissman's defense through appeal if necessary," a source close to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee told JTA on Saturday. Sources close to the defense confirmed the deal. Spokesmen for Arent Fox, the law firm representing Weissman, could not be reached over the weekend for comment.

No such deal has yet been achieved with Abbe Lowell, the lawyer for Steve Rosen, AIPAC's former foreign policy chief who faces trial along with Weissman on charges that they dealt in classified information.

Arent Fox accepted a deeply discounted package, sources close to the defense said - as little as half of what its lawyers said was owed them. Critically, however, Weissman retains his right to sue AIPAC if he is acquitted or if charges are dismissed.