One of the mysteries of this accord, from Israel’s point of view, revolved around an Israeli policy which openly placed Israeli lives in danger – for two reasons. The first is that Samir Kantar will now be poised to lead and conduct terror activity, as he remains unrepentant for his actions, 29 years later. The second drawback is that Mr. Kantar’s release in exchange for murdered Israeli soldiers carries a message, which is that Palestinian terrorists need not fear any Israeli incrimination if they murder an Israeli POW – the price exacted from Israel will be the same.

Yet the accompanying Bulletin interview with a senior U.N. official demonstrates that there is at least one entity that is ready to praise Israel for trading a live terrorist for two murdered Israeli POWs. That entity is the U.N. Israel has now achieved the highest possible praise at the U.N., with international admiration lavished upon Israel for freeing a terrorist convicted of a most heinous act of first degree murder. The current Israeli government seems to pursue a better image in the international arena of public relations, even though the risks are obvious.

David Bedein can be reached at Media@actcom.co.il. His Web site is www.IsraelBehindTheNews.com

©The Bulletin 2008

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR