Olmert, Abbas: Prisoner release Friday

Barring any last-minute obstacles, Israel plans to release 250 Palestinian security prisoners this Friday, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas agreed during a Monday afternoon meeting.

Olmert met Abbas at his Jerusalem residence as part of efforts to set in motion a significant process between Israel and what is left of the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank following Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip.

The two discussed Israeli gestures towards the Palestinians, and agreed on the release of security prisoners already this weekend.

A special ministerial committee headed by Olmert is expected on Tuesday to approve the list of prisoners, most of whom are Fatah members.The list includes 11 minors and one to two elderly prisoners. None of the detainees on the list have "blood on their hands", ie, they were not directly responsible for Israeli deaths.

Immediately after the list is approved, it will be posted on a special Internet website. Then, if there is no judicial opposition, the prisoners will be transported to a number of IDF checkpoints in the Palestinian territories this Friday.

During the meeting, which included lunch, Abbas was expected to request Olmert allow a Palestinian brigade from the Jordanian army to cross into the West Bank. Abbas is also expected to ask for military equipment from Egypt. 

The Palestinian president may also demand full security coordination with Israel, to prevent unilateral action in the West Bank. Olmert will not provide a conclusive reply to these demands at present time, but Abbas' requests will be examined seriously.

Abbas and Olmert (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO) 

Downplaying risks

Meanwhile Olmert's staffers are attempting to downplay the significance of Israel's goodwill gestures towards the PA ahead of the meeting between the two leaders.

"The gestures are a calculated risk, not a risky calculation," said a senior official in Olmert's office in response to growing criticism over the prime minister's decisions.

Numerous ministers within Olmert's own cabinet have become increasingly vocal regarding their disapproval of the gestures. "Any attempt to strengthen Abbas is doomed to fail," said Deputy Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

"We need to look beyond Abbas toward the future leadership, the next generation in the territories," he said. In private talks Lieberman used far harsher language regarding Abbas' relevance as a partner for dialog: "Name one thing Abbas has done to deserve such grand gestures. Has he arrested wanted men? Rounded up firearms? Fought against terrorism? You can't strengthen a zero, it will always equal zero."

'Measured steps with vast potential'

But Olmert is determined to make these gestures to Abbas. "Israel has a clear interest in strengthening the Palestinian Authority led by Abbas. It needs to gain the support of the Palestinian public. The steps we are taking are measures, they have an enormous potential to strengthen Abbas without putting Israel's security at risk.," said aides in Olmert's office.

"Abbas is under enormous pressure from Arab nations and the international community, he has recently taken a series of positive actions: he is using determined rhetoric against terror, he has issued a presidential decree that bans carrying firearms and determined that armed militias must not be allowed to control the streets," said Olmert's aide.

"Olmert will demand of Abbas to genuinely combat terror. The prime minister will demand intensive PA action to bring Judea and Samaria under Abbas' complete control. Meanwhile we are willing to make these gestures to prove that Israel means what it says."

Ali Waked contributed to the report