Release of 2,000 Terrorists “Threatens(?)” Olmert Government

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Commentary;

Let’s see if Shas and Yisrael Beiteinu and their leaders both inside and outside the “Knesset Beltway” have the backbone and moral integrity to back these words with deeds. Further, notice that Yishai specified “2,000 Arab terrorists and prisoners.”

What happens if the number is 1,500? 1,000? 800? 500? 200? 50? Etc.
MB

Israel to Consider Release of More Palestinian Prisoners, Ronny Sofer
(Ynet)

Excerpts;

Officials in PM’s office say Olmert not ruling out possibility of releasing more security prisoners to strengthen Abbas ahead of Annapolis summit. Removal of IDF roadblocks in West Bank will also be weighed.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert did not rule out the release of additional security prisoners as a gesture to the Palestinian Authority ahead of the upcoming Annapolis peace conference, sources in his office said Monday.

According to them, other gestures, such as removing roadblocks in the West Bank and expediting the deployment of Palestinian security officers in the region’s cities, would also be weighed.

During US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice’s recent visit to the Middle East, the PA issued a request for another prisoners’ release and other gestures in an attempt to embolden President Mahmoud Abbas’ position.

“The prime minister has said in the past that he does not oppose the release of Palestinian prisoners,” a senior official in Olmert’s office told Ynet, “however, the amount of prisoners has not been discussed yet…

Excerpts;

Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that the proposed release would force his Israel Is Our Home (Yisrael Beiteinu) party to leave the government.

Shas party leader Eli Yishai made similar comments earlier in the day. Without the two parties, the Kadima government be left with a minority and would have to re-organize or call for new elections.

More Releases of Terrorists May Crack Coalition

Full Text;

Shas party leader and Cabinet minister Eli Yishai warned Monday that his party would vote against the government if Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposes the release of another 2,000 Arab terrorists and prisoners. Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Salam Fayyad made the demand last week, and the Prime Minister reportedly is considering it following discussions with visiting American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

“Every additional release, without a discussion of Jewish prisoners, will upset the balance in Israeli society,” the Shas leader added.

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