The Palestinian Authority (PA) has kept close tabs on the fiery public debate raging in Israel over the decision to release an additional 26 security prisoners. Political spin from the right and harsh criticism from the bereaved families threatened to thwart the move, which Israel committed to as part of the renewal of negotiations with Palestinian Chairman Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas). However, the decision was confirmed Oct. 27.

All the prisoners who will be released this time were convicted and imprisoned before the signing of the Oslo Accords. Over the last 20 years, the Palestinians have frequently demanded the release the prisoners who were incarcerated before the agreement with Israel in 1993. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister who decided to grant this request.

Toward the resumption of the diplomatic process, Netanyahu faced two possible goodwill gestures toward the Palestinians: the release of longtime prisoners or freezing construction in the settlements. After Netanyahu discovered that the right-wing ministers in his government strongly objected to the freeze, he was forced to choose the alternative.

The opposition to the current round of prisoner releases intensified recently as a series of terrorist attacks took place throughout the West Bank. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said that the Israeli Defense Forces are gearing up for a possible escalation of conflict in the PA territories.