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Tel Aviv, Israel – Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar presented alarming data to Israel’s security cabinet on Friday, revealing that 82% of Palestinian prisoners released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal resumed terrorist activities. His remarks came as the cabinet voted to recommend government approval of a new hostage deal.
Bar stated that over 1,000 released prisoners engaged in terrorism, including providing funds, intelligence, and operational support to terrorist organizations. Furthermore, 15% of them personally carried out or planned attacks after their release.
Concerns Over Renewed Attacks
The Shin Bet chief warned that releasing additional prisoners in future deals could embolden terrorist groups, particularly in the West Bank. He noted that while the direct threat from released prisoners is significant, the greater concern is the atmosphere created by their release, which could fuel further violence.
Israeli media reported that Bar emphasized the need for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify counterterrorism operations in the West Bank to neutralize potential threats. “The danger stems not just from those being released, but from the message it sends to terrorist organizations,” Bar was quoted as saying by Maariv.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi have urged increased military readiness to counter any surge in terrorist activity following the implementation of the deal.
Past Attacks by Released Prisoners
Bar’s warning was reinforced by historical examples of terror attacks carried out by released prisoners.
In June 2014, Israeli forces detained Ziad Hassan Awad and his son for their role in the Passover eve murder of a police officer. Awad had been released in the Shalit deal.
In May 2013, the Shin Bet apprehended Hamas operative Bakr Atallah Samih Sa’ad, who was planning attacks after meeting in Jordan with Hisham Abd al-Qader Ibrahim Hijaz, a terrorist released in the deal. Hijaz was originally sentenced to ten life terms for orchestrating attacks that killed ten Israeli civilians and soldiers.
One of the most notorious individuals released in the deal was Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ current leader and the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The Shalit Deal: A Controversial Precedent
The 2011 prisoner swap saw over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held captive in Gaza for five years following his 2006 abduction. Shalit was seized when Hamas operatives infiltrated Israel, attacking an IDF base near Kerem Shalom, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring four others.
While the deal secured Shalit’s freedom, it has been widely criticized for its long-term security repercussions, particularly as many released prisoners re-engaged in terrorism.
Security Implications of the New Hostage Deal
As Israel considers another prisoner swap to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, Bar’s data serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved. The security establishment remains divided over whether such deals ultimately strengthen terrorist organizations and increase violence in the region.
With tensions already high, the Israeli government faces a difficult decision—prioritize the return of hostages or prevent a resurgence of terrorism by avoiding large-scale prisoner releases.