Israeli President Shimon Peres sent a personal letter to President
Barack Obama on Monday, urging Obama to consider granting clemency to
Jonathan Pollard, citing the convicted spy's deteriorating health. The
White House rejected the appeal saying its position hasn't changed,
and that the president has no intention to release Pollard. The
president sent the missive after receiving a petition signed by 80
MKs, urging Obama to release the Jewish spy, as well as intense
pressure from the lobby working to secure Pollard's release ahead of
Peres' White House visit planned for June. During that meeting, Peres
is expected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which, the
Pollard lobby argues, the president should refuse until the convicted
spy is released.
