Rightist MK demands more restrictions on Hamas prisoners

Knesset Member Yitzhak Aharonovitch, who is slated to serve as internal security minister in the incoming Likud-led government, said he plans to increase the restrictions on Palestinian security prisoners so long as Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit remains in captivity.

Speaking at a cultural forum in Beersheba on Saturday, the member of the hawkish Yisrael Beiteinu party said "currently they (prisoners) own cell phones and are allowed visits by family members, while our soldier (Shalit) hasn't seen his family or the light of day in three years.

"The government woke up towards the end of its term and decided to investigate the matter. If it was up to me, (the Palestinian prisoners) would not see their families until we saw (Shalit)," Aharonovitch said.

The MK continued to say that he was against releasing Shalit at all costs: "This is a complex issue, but I want to reach my decision only after reviewing the list of prisoners Israel has agreed to release. We should give up a lot for Shalit, but we shouldn't release him at any price."

He added that until Shalit is returned Israel must remain on the offensive. "I am speaking of something along the lines of a military operation. The Hamas leaders must be forced to remain in hiding and be made aware that the transfer of funds and goods to Gaza will be suspended until our soldier is freed," Aharonovitch said.

Turning his attention to the recent coalition agreement between Labor and Likud, the MK said "a narrow right-wing government would not have benefited anyone; Labor's participation in the next government will allow it to rule."

Asked about the ongoing investigation against Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, Aharonovitch said that as internal security minister he would not intervene in investigations against public figures, but also criticized the probe against his fellow party member.

"He's been under investigation for 11 years now. This is highly irregular," he said.