Israel calls for release of Jewish murderers

Israeli Trade Minister writes to PM asking him to free jailed Jewish extremists who had murdered Palestinians.

TEL AVIV - An Israeli minister on Tuesday called for jailed Jewish extremists to be released if Palestinian prisoners are freed as part of a swap deal for a soldier held by Hamas for more than two years.

"We must soon make important decisions regarding the release of the captive soldier Gilad Shalit and these decisions will entail the release of Palestinian prisoners and members of Hamas," Trade Minister Eli Yishai said in a letter to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

"Many in Israel ask why the state shouldn't also release Jewish prisoners sentenced for acts they committed as a result of the security situation," he said.

"These prisoners have admitted their wrongdoing and have expressed remorse," he added.

"I turn to you to work towards the release of these prisoners in the spirit of balance so that a large part of the country may realise that goodwill gestures are made in both camps," the minister said.

Yishai is also Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Orthodox Jewish party "Shas".

The Jewish extremists in question are currently serving prison sentences for murdering Palestinians. Source

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