Last week, Israel let go 26 more of the 104 terrorists to be released as part of the deal for peace talks, a deal brokered by US Secretary of State John Kerry.
This second of the four-stage release went forward despite anguished objections by the families of the terrorists’ victims.
An organization of bereaved families had also fought the release by bringing an appeal before Israel’s Supreme Court. The families argued that the prisoners will return to violence once freed.
The appeal was rejected by the court.
Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed US Secretary of State John Kerry to Israel in September, 2013.
“The decision to release prisoners is one of the toughest decisions that I’ve made as prime minister,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “My heart is with the bereaved families, and the heart hurts. We must navigate a complex international arena.”
“The release of prisoners will lead to more terror,” said Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee chairwoman Miri Regev.
“This is an example of cowardice and weakness on behalf of the government,” she added. “No normal country releases murderers.”
She said that in return for the last release of Palestinian prisoners, Palestinians fired rockets into Ashkelon, created a terrorist tunnel, and murdered Israelis. (Jewish Press)
A released prisoner beams with delight as he is welcomed home by adoring Palestinian crowds. (YouTube capture)
While the peace talks remain shrouded in secrecy, the reactions of the general public to the release sent a clear message on both sides.
In Israel, an estimated 3000 protesters including family members of victims demonstrated in opposition.
As expected, however, the release led to wild, jubilant celebrations in the Palestinian streets.
To add to that joy, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas promised Palestinians that no peace agreement will be signed with Israel until all of the prisoners held by Israel are released.
“We will continue our efforts until the last prisoner will come home,” he said at a ceremony greeting the freed terrorists.
Though many of the prisoners had been jailed in connection with the murder of Israelis, they were hailed by the Palestinians as heroes fighting for independence.
Mark Regev, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s office, said in response to the celebrations, “I would ask the Palestinians what message they are sending to us when they celebrate their murderers, when they put them on a pedestal. And what is the message they are sending to Palestinian youth if they turn these people into heroes?” (JPost)
