Demonstrators hold signs of Jonathan Pollard as they attend a protest calling for his release outside the house of President Shimon Peres in Jerusalem, where Peres met with U.S. congressmen, on August 17, 2011. Photo: Miriam Alster/Flash90.

Israel Hayom – Israel is asking the United States to free jailed Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard as part of the ongoing peace negotiations with the Palestinians, Channel 2 reported on Monday. Israel reportedly wants Pollard’s release to be tied with the release of Palestinian prisoners, the third stage of which is set to take place this weekend.

“He should have been released a long time ago,” Netanyahu said Monday at a Likud-Beytenu faction meeting. “I think that it is understood by everyone here, and I believe it is understood by more and more communities in the U.S.” Netanyahu echoed sentiments expressed by government ministers on Sunday. He added that he had spoken with the imprisoned spy’s wife, Esther Pollard, and told her of the “ongoing efforts” that Israel is making to promote her husband’s release.

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