Israeli President Shimon Peres asked President Barack Obama to release convicted spy-for-Israel Jonathan Pollard.

Peres told Pollard’s wife, Esther, that he discussed the possibility of releasing Jonathan Pollard, who has been jailed for 27 years since being convicted of espionage in 1987 and sentenced to life in prison, during his meeting with Obama March 4 at the AIPAC policy conference in Washington.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue with Obama during the two leaders’ meeting March 5.

American Jewish groups have long sought Pollard’s release, arguing that he has received a sentence far harsher than others convicted of similar espionage crimes. Pollard also has expressed remorse and is said to be suffering from medical ailments. — jta