Photo: BBC
The Israel Prison Service (Shabbos) is preparing to implement a deal that would see the release of hostages in exchange for terrorists serving sentences in Israeli prisons. According to the N12 news service, Shabas is seeking to avoid a situation where released terrorists celebrate their freedom, as happened during the Gilad Shalit exchange.
Special measures have been developed for this purpose. The released prisoners will be transported in buses with tinted windows to avoid capturing their faces and triumphant moments on camera. In addition, the bus columns will be accompanied by the sounds of the Israeli national anthem “a-Tikvah” and Israeli songs from different years to block any attempts to shout slogans or organise “victorious” demonstrations.
This approach demonstrates the Israeli authorities’ desire to preserve their dignity and avoid situations that could be used for propaganda by terrorist groups. Despite the complexity and emotional tension that accompanies such exchanges, Israel is doing everything possible to return its citizens, keeping security and moral superiority at the forefront.
