by Ram ben Ze'ev
The concept of prisoner exchange has become embedded in Israeli strategy, yet it is a practice fraught with peril and a costly consequence for the State of Israel and its people.
Since the establishment of modern Israel, a disturbing trend has developed: our enemies—terrorist organisations in Gaza, Lebanon, and others funded by Iran or even propped up by entities like the United Nations—have kidnapped both civilians and soldiers, only to use them as bargaining chips for the release of convicted terrorists. These individuals, often sentenced to multiple life terms for heinous crimes, are released back into the world through such exchanges, only to continue their campaigns of violence and terror.
The Alarming “Catch and Release” Approach
This prisoner exchange policy bears an uncomfortable similarity to the "catch and release" approach seen with illegal immigration in the United States. While the American system releases migrants caught crossing borders illegally back into society, Israel releases convicted terrorists—individuals who have shed blood, destroyed lives, and shown no sign of remorse. The “catch and release” of terrorists fundamentally undermines justice, mocks the sentences handed down by Israeli courts, and signals to our enemies that violence will be rewarded rather than punished.
For decades, these exchanges have led to the release of thousands of terrorists. The precedent set by such actions has allowed our enemies to view kidnapping as a viable path to victory, assured that Israel will inevitably yield in the name of compassion or under intense international pressure. This pattern of release undermines national security, devastates the families of victims, and threatens the very fabric of Israeli society.
The Will of Israel’s Soldiers: A Message Ignored
The perspective of Israeli soldiers on prisoner exchange adds a poignant layer to this issue. The majority of Israeli soldiers—those who stand on the front lines defending the nation—leave letters before going into battle, often stating explicitly that, should they be captured, they do not wish to be traded for the enemy. They recognise the high cost of releasing convicted terrorists and the threat this practice poses to national security and to their fellow soldiers and citizens.
Despite this clear message from the soldiers, the Israeli government has, time and again, bowed to public pressure and political influence to negotiate the release of terrorists. These decisions often lead to disastrous consequences, as many released terrorists return to commit further atrocities against Israelis. By ignoring the wishes of those who serve, Israel risks eroding the morale of its soldiers, who feel that their sacrifices and beliefs are secondary to political calculations.
Ahlam Ahmad al-Tamimi and the Price of Release
Ahlam Ahmad al-Tamimi is a clear example of the disastrous consequences of prisoner exchange. Convicted of orchestrating the deadly bombing at the Sbarro pizzeria in Jerusalem in 2001, she was responsible for the deaths of 16 innocent people, including children. The brutal attack left families shattered, and Tamimi was sentenced to life imprisonment. Yet, in 2011, she was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal.
Since her release, Tamimi has not expressed remorse but has continued to incite and encourage terror against Israel, using her notoriety to inspire other would-be terrorists. The release of individuals like Tamimi, whose actions go far beyond any political stance and constitute pure brutality, sends a dangerous message to both perpetrators and the Israeli populace.
The Gilad Shalit Exchange: A Dangerous Precedent
The exchange of over 1,000 terrorists for one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in 2011 set a precedent that has had devastating long-term consequences. Yahya Sinwar, a prominent figure among those released, masterminded the brutal 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, which claimed the lives of 1,200 innocent Israelis, including civilians and children. Sinwar, after his release, became one of the most dangerous figures within Hamas, escalating violence and further destabilising the region.
The Shalit exchange and others like it fuel a cycle in which released terrorists resume their campaigns against Israel, often with renewed fervour. This cycle of violence only grows with each successive release, as more terrorists are emboldened to continue their path of destruction, secure in the knowledge that Israel’s compassion or international pressure will allow them another chance to wreak havoc.
The Heartbreaking Dilemma: Civilians Held Hostage
The issue becomes even more complex when innocent, non-military Israelis are captured and held as bargaining chips. The emotional pain for their families is unbearable, and the desire to bring them home is powerful. Yet, the painful truth is that releasing terrorists in exchange for civilians—heart-wrenching as it may be—often comes at an enormous cost. Few families, if faced with the full reality of these exchanges, would support a trade if they knew that releasing these terrorists would lead to the murders of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of other innocent Israelis in the future.
Each release of a terrorist, especially one with blood on their hands, strengthens our enemies, who view these exchanges as a victory. It sends a message that Israel’s resolve can be undermined, that the lives of their people can be traded for terror. These exchanges have not only resulted in countless Israeli deaths but have emboldened our enemies to continue kidnapping civilians, knowing they will be given a path to free even the most violent among them.
Striking “Prisoner Exchange” from the Lexicon
Israel’s commitment to bringing every soldier and citizen home is a noble and deeply rooted principle, but we must consider the balance between individual lives and national security. The policy of prisoner exchange has repeatedly compromised the safety of the entire nation, strengthening our enemies and giving them the resources to attack again.
Removing the concept of prisoner exchange from Israel’s policy lexicon is not only prudent—it is essential. As long as this remains an option, terrorist organisations will continue to view kidnapping as an effective tactic, knowing that Israel will yield. It is time to send a different message, one that respects the wishes of our soldiers, honours the safety of the public, and emphasises Israel’s commitment to justice and security above all else.
For the safety and future of Israel, we must close the door on the practice of prisoner exchange once and for all. To ensure the continued survival of our nation, we must break this cycle of release and retaliation, refusing to empower those who seek to destroy us. Let this be the generation that honours the wishes of its soldiers and protects the lives of its citizens with unyielding strength, even when the choices are painfully hard.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited (developer of MAYCOINS), SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue