Gary Fitleberg, December 22, 2004

The Israel Prison Service published on its Web site a list of 170 Arab "Palestinian" prisoners and detainees slated for release in a move meant to show goodwill ahead of elections to replace Yasser Arafat as Palestinian Authority/Palestine Liberation Organization (PA/PLO) "Chairman of Terror" in the upcoming January 9, 2005 election.

The prisoner release committee, headed by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, approved their release 10 days ago.

The move came after Sharon promised Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak the release in exchange for the release of Israeli Druze businessman Azamm Azamm from an Egyptian prison.

According to the government's decision, the list does not include any prisoners who are in the process of investigation or indictment, or who had previously been released under a political process or a prisoner exchange program.

The government also decided that no prisoners with "blood on their hands" - those who carried out or took part in killings - would be released.

However, some of the prisoners slated for release are in jail for throwing pipe bombs, firebombs or stones at Israelis, Israel Radio reported Wednesday.

Under the recommendation of Shin Ben security service chief Avi Dichter, the government decided against releasing 32 jailed Hamas and Islamic Jihad members.

Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said their release would have sent a wrong message while Israel was attempting to strengthen a moderate Palestinian leadership.

Shalom's view was backed by Sharon, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni.

Public Security Minister Gideon Ezra stood alone in his call to include jailed members of Islamic movements on the list.

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2004 Gary Fitleberg