More goodwill gestures. More concessions. Apparently, Israel's release of 250 imprisoned Fatah members was not enough to "strengthen" Mahmoud Abbas, so Israeli PM Olmert has decided to take one more step towards the abyss: amnesty for mass murderers. Olmert probably figures, Why bother to hunt them down if they will be released anyway?
"Fatah men turn in their guns; amnesty for Zbeidi," by Aluf Benn, Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel for Haaretz:
The Prime Minister's Office, apologizing for an earlier denial, acknowleged Sunday that Zacharia Zbeidi, head of the Fatah Tanzim militia in the West Bank city of Jenin and one of the highest-profile Fatah commanders on Israeli wanted lists in the territories, is among nearly 200 militants to whom Israel plans to offer amnesty.The offer is one of the package of measures which Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is to present to Mahmoud Abbas in a meeting with the Palestinian Authority chairman on Sunday. The gestures will also include a release of prisoners.
On Saturday, an Israeli official denied Palestinian reports that Zbeidi was on the list. But the Prime Minister's Office reversed course on Sunday morning, conceding that the reports were correct.
The effective amnesty would extend to nearly 75 percent of the wanted militants of the Fatah Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. Scores of the fugitive militants began signing a document Saturday that announced their resignation from the paramilitary organization and a promise to refrain from terrorism. As of Saturday night, nearly 150 of the 178 militants had signed the document.
As so many of them have promised in the past….no more terror.
In "Olmert confirms amnesty deal for wanted Fatah gunmen" in Ynet, a delusional senior Israeli explains the move:
"The agreement serves Israel’s interests in that the Fatah men on the list will lay down their arms and leave the cycle of terror," a senior Israeli official said.
They signed the paper, didn't they? Not only will the amnesty release the terrorists from any responsibility from the deaths of hundreds; it will also give them freedom of activity to plan more. They will be free to roam without any fear of assassination or incarceration.
"The Palestinians will benefit from the fact that Israel will cease to hunt down those who form the foundation of Abbas’ forces in the West Bank."
And Israelis will pay the price at the cemetery. Here is a brief bit on the al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigade, of which 75% percent of its members will receive amnesty.
Olmert continues the perverse Western-backed policy of supporting the "moderate" terrorists known as Fatah, in order to isolate the "real bad" terrorists known as Hamas. No one seems to have caught on yet that there is no such thing as a good terrorist. Fatah and Hamas share the same goal: the destruction of Israel. The only difference between the two is the way to go about it -- with a gun or with a smile. The end result, however, is the same in both playbooks.
No good will come of this. Abbas will not be strengthened and Hamas will not be weakened. More Israeli will die as more Jihadists are released.
Ehud Olmert has become an enemy of the Jews and Israel. He is the best thing that ever happened to the Fatah jihadists. He has become a true supporter of their cause. Who will grant him amnesty?
Crossposted from The American Israeli Patriot.
'Ehud Olmert has become an enemy of the Jews
and Israel.'
He was the near enemy before he was elected PM.
Hostage extortion Update: Kaddafi gets his jizya;
Will mere blood money satisfy the death sentencing sharia-thugs?Or will they continue blackmailing for the Lockerbie bomber's release?
Terrorism still pays: handsomely.Greetings:
Here's how the POW calculus was explained to me:
1) You don't ever want to fight someone twice;
2) Some POWs have useful information;
3) Resources are consumed by the capture, relocation and
detention of POWs.
I'll do the math.
Greetings:
Olmert again demonstrates why mayors don't make good Prime Ministers.
National security ain't filling potholes.
olmert is indescribably loathesome. He is also a common criminal. Several criminal cases are pending in the hands of the Attorney general who doesn't want to indict olmert or even refer his crimes to the police for investigation. Yet this same attorney general conducted a political persecution of President Katsav, a member of Likud [and probably for that reason], based on sexual allegations --ie, rape-- that seem to have been mainly fabrications. However, the AG realized he didn't have enough evidence to prosecute on the rape charge, so he dropped it. Bear in mind that Katsav's significant enemies are part of the peace camp. Again, the AG has not started a formal police investigation of olmert on criminal charges, despite those charges being older than the charges against Katsav that he himself helped to invent.
A member of the Vinograd Commission said last week that it's a miracle that olmert hasn't resigned. Here bear in mind that olmert is a rhinoceros in the sense of being thick-skinned and in the Ionescovian sense.
What a disgusting slap in the face for the IDF! Is Israel really this suicidal? Really that desperate for international approval?
HOW much longer till the next election in Israel? Canb someone close to the situation tell me if B. Netanyhu has a realistic chance?
I cannot imagine for a moment that the idiotic Olmert has a chnce in hell to get re-elected.
If the Israelis are THAT dumb they'll deserve their fate which will result from such a disastrous vote.
Israel needs to use AN IRON FIST!
No prisoner releases!
"Olmert probably figures, Why bother to hunt them down if they will be released anyway? "
........or he could adopt a policy that Muslim terrorists are familiar with...Keep no prisoners longer than two days....
Olmert # 1 Enemy of Israel! He has undone all Sharon has skillfully mastered! Ellison and Olmert have things in common. Between the two they just may win!
Allahfanculo: According to general poles in Israel, Netanyahu has about 35% support. The next closest is Livni with about 15%. To put this in perspective, Olmert has a 3% approval rating. However, don't forget that, in a clinch, Netanyahu is no better than Sharon, Rabin or any of the "right wing" Israeli politicians. Research the Wye Accords if you need more info.
IMHO, only two players in Israeli politics offer a realistic chance for change: Moshe Feiglin of the Jewish Leadership faction in Likud (who trails Netanyahu significantly but is slowly closing the gap), and Aryeh Eldad (Likud), the IDF physician and author. These two are the only politicians in Israel I know of that might stand up to American pressure.
By the way, I cannot confirm this, but I have read that the commitment these terrorist combatants are signing to get out of jail and be free from re-arrest only requires them to avoid terrorist activities against Israelis for THREE MONTHS! If anyone can verify this, please do.