The fact is that most people do not think deeply rather FEEL strongly about this. We can not determine important decisions based on FEELINGS alone, intelligent thought must be used to make decisions. This decision increases Hamas' standing in the eyes of the PALs and encourages more kidnappings. A severe military response would be more beneficial in the long run.

As much as i understand the pain of the terror victim famalies, i also understand the pain of the Shalit family. In my opinion Gilad must come home what ever the price. Gilads release will also restore national pride and unite Israel if only for a short while.

... that the hardliner commentators here on Ynet represent around 14% of the Israeli population?!

of lack of fortitude

Come here and say that.

neutral and 3rd party org.'s with no financial or personal ties to pilitics. why dont i trust these polls? often the questions asked steer the reply to the polls political agenda. very manipulative, and biased smokescreen.

Yes. Of course we can. The Palestinians have brought the world international terrorism, hijackings, suicide bombings, driveby shootings, throat slittings, smashing people's heads with rocks, dressing babies up as suicide bombers, sending children on suicide missions. Does the world need another Arab dictatorship where human rights are trampled, money laundered, and the leaders have shown no signs that peace is their ultimate goal? No. We can indeed imagine a world where the Arabs who call themselves "Palestinians" go back to being Jordanians and, and Gaza becomes its own destitute country called Hamastan.

WE CAN NOT IMAGINE A WORLD WITHOUT PALESTINE : P

Yes, but -- pray tell -- what % of Jewish Israelis support the deal? We can imagine, for one reason or another, that many of the Arab respondents to the poll support the Shalit deal.

that it was Lieberman and his rabidly far right, out-of-the-mainstream party, that is so damaging Israel internationally, that opposed this deal. Yes, it is sad and it is messy and it is not something anybody wants. But it must be made. Only the rabidly hateful, unfeeling, uncaring oppose it. There is absolutely no guarantee that any of the released prisoners will kill any Israeli, Chas v'Shalom. Israeli security personnel are already doing all they can to protect Israelis. Nothing will change in that regard. But what IS absolutely guaranteed is that an Israeli will have a bullet put in his head if the exchange is NOT made.

it only shows how Israeli opinion can be manipulated by the government and the media.

YES WE CAN. We do not need a country willing to use phosphorous bombs on women and children, bomb humanitarian aid and block food and medicine to people in need. Do not throw stones when you live in a glass house.

Okay everone, lets take a breath of fresh air and a few steps backwards to review this entire Israeli fiasco. In fact, the only plausible comment is by Salma, who likes to (like Iran's Ahmad) tweek the noses of Jews and increase people's blood pressure, while offering terrible if honest, views.. However, this individual, who can post a comment safe and sound, vs a head to head confronation, is really admitting to all of us, THEIR take on the 100 year old conflict. If Israel had been destroyed in any one of several wars..well, you get the point. That said, 400 nukes pretty much guarantee Israel's survival. Get my point!! Israel had little choice..either release him while still alive and in fair health (which we dont know yet), or the alternative. Sooner or later, an Israeli raid, or an impatient terrorist, would have made the decision. Israeli is also at fault here. If I were an IDF soldier, I would understand that if were captured, I would fight to the very end. Sort of like the Japanese during WW2 (Germans surrended, Japs did not). Israel had no policy, except to rescue the hapless captive, something virtually impossible, after the first few hours. There are just too many ways to hide him (her). and strap a suicide belt on him, if you konw what I mean. It has 10,000 prisoners..many who should have been executed for murder. Say no more. It should have bombed Hamastan 24-7 until Shalits release..starting with Gaza City and ending, if need be, in Rafiah. It could have kidnpapped 100 leading Gazans,,,and used THEM similarly. This would caus its enemies to scream...but so what! Israel would be furhter isolated..so what else is new? Recall that 6 nations attacked in 48, The Arab League said 3 nos to peace in 67, it was attacked by 60m Arabs (UAR) in 73 on its most holy day. It had good relations with the African continent (and Latin America) til they decided oil was more important than Jews. Israel, with its 5.7m Jews who are divided terribly, with 1m Charedi who wont serve or work, thus costing billions of shekels, (not to forget the immorality), a nation gripped with the price of cottage cheese and gasoline ( make your own cheese guys and use public transportion (buy more buses). Shalit's capture, his captivity, and his release have created lots of emotion in Israel..and cost Israel tens of thousands of man hours in stopping terrorism, trials, incarceration, money with future, grim. Oh BTW, bringing in capital punishment for capital offenses, would be more appropriate now. It wont stop terrorism, but will end their careers permanently. When the terrorist groups see families of terorrists inarcerated protesting...the abandonment of frills in the prisons...well, how much more encouragement do they need? When they see hungar strikes...go virtually without impunity..what more? Would increasing thier prison time mean anything, in light of Shalit? Solitary confinement and hard labor..might do wonders? But dont hold your breath.

of Europe often expressed shock that Jews are stupid enough to agree to such a deal. Just like all the polls that say 80% want to give up the terror-tories. Yet the results of every election shows a overwhelming majority of Right wing-Nationalist voters. Don't believe this poll for a a second.

usage of ''....''. You can even Google it yourself. Then it shall be apparent to you why, it is correct from the point of proper grammar and regard for history to use them, whenever facing the world ''Palestinians'' & ''Palestine''. Otherwise: have a wonderful life and may you and your ilk never again get lucky in finding another victim in your bloodthirsty endeavours !

Figments of your imagination and wishful thinking don't count for reality

Most people are against this. Even JPost poll (before they pulled it) had 50/50 and that included most leftist votes that came in over Shabbat. As soon as the NAY side got even, they decided they had enough (take no chances that truth would come out).

Dont believe the statistics most in the street are either against or silent and preparing for the traditional left wing Demoralising Media Festival one more knife in the Lef't's program to bring the nation to its knees and accept yet another "Peace Plan" The trauma the nation is now having cannot be underestimated .Many will leave the country it is too much for may to bear or relive . Nice timing at a happy holiday period .

America and much of the West are in shock over the realease. One can only imagine how soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq must be feeling many of these terrorists will find themselves facing American soldiers . Israel owes the U.S. a huge apology . Say goodbye to tourism from the west as well,

Phosphorus was used 3 times in bombs against Israeli civilians in Israel by palestinians. Look it up.

I do not believe the poll. This policy legitimize terror and will only result in more terror, death and destruction.

What is the price of just one Israeli soldier? Measured in thugs released from incarceration for severe crimes committed? Measured in terror wrought by those released upon innocent victims in israel of course but over all the world? Measured in blood spilled in senseless acts of violence with no other goal than to get attention for their "cause"? Measured in terms of the further damage to the image of muslims and arabs generaly in the eyes of the world - or at least those that are open? Measured in the further delay of any hope for peace in the region? What is the price? Let's not forget that this one soldier was kidnapped, a crime that caries stiff penalties in any civilized society.

is along way from from the middle east....but really ..r u so uneducated...I know there r lots of Isrealis in Aus.try to TALK to one of them I"m sure u will be suprised n'maybe enlightened...G-D bless n keep safe Gilad and his family

Who is posting talkbacks? Checking out the major forums over the last 48 hours shows the vast majority oppose the deal. Something smells.

Gilad is alive and deserves to come back. Those protesting this because their kin were killed by terrorists now being freed, does not bring back their kin in any shape or form. It will be a 'mitzvah' to bring back a live son. Am Israel needs to have a collective smile and joy on this occasion.