Joining a growing chorus, IDF reserver general Uzi Dayan urged President Shimon Peres to condition his acceptance of the American Medal of Freedom on the release of Jonathan Pollard from prison. “Peres has many medals and honors, but Jonathan is still in prison, and we all must do whatever we can to free him.” Speaking to Israel Radio, Dayan said that many American officials that he and others had spoken to on the matter were afraid to pursue it, while others who had attempted to move the issue of Pollard's release forward had met with a “stone wall” of refusal by officials opposed to the release of Pollard.
Peres left Israel Saturday night for a trip to Washington, where he will receive the American Medal of Freedom. The medal will be presented to Peres at a festive White House ceremony this week. It is considered the highest civilian award given by the U.S. government.