Prisoner Release Unnecessary

Israel's security cabinet reportedly has approved the release of 20 female Palestinian prisoners in exchange for videotaped proof that captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit is alive and well. After the names of the 20 prisoners are published online, the public will have 48 hours to appeal the decision.

The prisoner release is risky. It once again sends the message that terrorism works. It also may be unnecessary. A German mediator, we are told, has already seen the tape. He has a moral obligation to reveal the nature of its contents and this alone could suffice as prove of Schalit's condition.

I understand the Schalit's family, as well as others, would prefer to see the tape themselves, but it is simply not worth the release of security prisoners, even ones without Israeli blood directly on their hands. (Some were indirectly involved in attacks on Israelis, but did not commit murder themselves.)

It is hard to understand why the Israeli government would release prisoners in this case when the information it seeks about the soldier is already known. The German could tell them. Considering that the Red Cross or anyone else has been denied any access to Schalit and that his capture was an act of terrorism, the German has no duty -- and, in fact, has a responsibility -- to report his condition.

New Twist to Palestinian Prisoner Releases

The Associated Press reported today that Israel has freed 24 Palestinian prisoners who are members of the al-Aksa Martyrs Brigades.

The Brigades draw their ranks from the Fatah movement. They initially were funded by Palestinian Authority President Yasir Arafat. Many serve in the PA's security forces and moonlight in the Brigades while off-duty. Most probably continue to receive not only salaries from the PA but funding for the anti-Israel activity to keep them happy and as tacit support for their activity.

The irony in the most recent release is that Israel reportedly has required that eight of the 24 return to prison each night at 9pm. I can just see it now -- the eight actually showing up each night, knocking on the prison door requesting to be let in. This is a wild expection and I hope the press will report on whether or not it actually happens.

Israel, once again, dupes itself into thinking that goodwill gestures such as this prisoner release will make the Palestinians take the decisions necessary to facilitate a lasting peace. Such moves actually embolden the Palestinians to continue to make insatiable demands, thereby postponing any possible peace.