MK Zahalka addresses Shalit deal
צילום: חגי אהרון
'No deal because of Israeli prisoners'
Arab MK says disagreement on release of Arab-Israeli prisoners hindering Shalit deal
A deal for the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is being delayed because of disagreement on the release of Arab-Israeli prisoners, Knesset Member Jamal Zahalka said Saturday.
The common perception until now was that a prisoner swap was being held back because of disagreements over the identity of Palestinian prisoners to be freed in such deal. However, Zahalka said there was another issue at play.
"One of the biggest obstacles to the Gilad Shalit deal and a deal on the captives in Lebanon is the demand to release Arab-Israeli prisoners," he said. "The government refuses to discuss this."
The Balad Knesset member was speaking in a ceremony at a Galilee village to mark Arab Prisoner Day. The rally at Kfar Manda was attended by hundreds of Arabs, including community leaders, relatives of prisoners, and former prisoners.
Zahalka, who is in touch with the families of Arab prisoners, says that the Israeli government is unwilling to treat them equally, while on the other hand they are not recognized as Palestinian prisoners who may be released during negotiations.
"I know that they are included in the list submitted by the Palestinian Authority, but Israel has refused," he said.
'If you don't like it, get up and leave'
Tagrid Saadi, a 25-year-old Arab-Israeli woman, was released from prison three months ago. Saadi served a six-year prison term after she was found guilty of conspiring with Palestinians who participated in lethal attacks against Israel.
"I know that we are included in the talks on every deal, but the State of Israel doesn't want it," she said.
At this time, about 150 Arab Israelis are held in Israeli prisons for committing security-related offenses.
Sheikh Raad Salah, who heads the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, also attended the meeting, and slammed the Israeli government in his speech.
"We are telling the Israeli establishment today – starving our sons in Gaza and in Jerusalem will not turn us into subjects of the regime. The Palestinian people will not stop its resistance for the sake of the freedom of the nation."
Turning his attention to the Shin Bet, Salah said that Israeli Arabs will not be swayed by the pressure exerted on them by the security services.
"We are stronger than any terror you direct at us…no regime would be able to uproot us," he said. "Those who don't like it, we're telling him to get up and leave."
