More good will gestures from the Israelis that will be used against them. None of these prisoners are rehabilitated. As soon as they're released they vow to continue fighting Israel, like Samir Kuntar 3 weeks ago.
I wonder what the recidivism rate will be. CBC
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In a goodwill gesture, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has pledged to free more than 150 Palestinian prisoners later this month.
Olmert made the announcement Wednesday while meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Jerusalem.
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat confirmed the prisoners would be released Aug. 25, although it is unclear if prominent detainees Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat will be among them.Barghouti, seen as a natural successor to Abbas, was jailed for life in Israel for his involvement in deadly attacks on Israeli citizens. Saadat was arrested after the group he leads — the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine — claimed responsibility for assassinating an Israeli cabinet minister.
Abbas has asked that both prisoners be released.
Israel has refused in the past to free prisoners directly linked to fatal attacks, although the government made an exception three weeks ago when it released accused Lebanese prisoner Samir Kantar, who was convicted of killing an Israeli father, daughter and policeman.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Israel to Release 150 Palestinian Terrorists
Monday, May 26, 2008
Olmert Seyz No Promises Made to Syia
In a closed session in parliament Olmert said he has not made any specific promises to Syria for peace. This may be true but i think it's abundantly clear that Olmert is willing to give away the Golan Heights for peace with Syria. AP
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says he has made no promises to Syria about a future peace agreement.
Israel and Syria announced last week that they had resumed peace talks. Syria has demanded that Israel give up the Golan Heights as part of any future deal. Israel captured the strategic plateau from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war.
Many Israelis are wary of ceding the Golan, which overlooks northern Israel and is next to a key source of the country's drinking water.
Olmert appeared before a closed parliamentary hearing Monday to update lawmakers on the talks. Participants say he told the committee that he has made no commitments to Syria. However, he said it's clear what Syria wants as part of any peace deal.
