The Jerusalem Post reports:
The cabinet on Sunday unanimously approved the decision to release 500 Palestinian prisoners, including some who have not yet served two thirds of their sentence.None of those “with blood on their hands” will be released.
I simply do not understand why our government is once again insisting on unilteral measures, with nothing in return. It is even more perplexing, given the fact that in any negotiation, the stronger party should be able to leverage its position in order to gain a favorable deal from the weaker party.
Furthermore, the “no blood on hands” caveat, while sounding uncompromising, is really arbitrary. In most cases, prisoners with no blood on their hands have that status only because of IDF actions or bad luck. But the intention to kill was manifest.
Those to be released have been convicted of everything from rock and petrol bomb throwing, membership in terror organizations, membership in an illegal militia, giving aid or refuge to fugitives, and placing roadside explosives.
Intention is a material consideration given the likelihood of reoffending. Many, if not all, of these terrorists will likely try to kill again. And even one lost life as a result of this renders the “deal” dangerous. It also sends yet another message to the PA: promise us a fragile “ceasefire”, coupled with some tough statements and token security gestures, and expect to receive more concessions from us in the future.
Update: This AP picture accompanies the JPost story:
Notice anything strange? (Clue: Look at the right foreground)
