In order to permit prisoner exchange deals resulting in the release of terrorists, , the president of Israel must pardon each and every terrorist being released from prison, as was the case in the Gilad Shalit deal for example. Seeking to bring an end to the state’s revolving door policy for terrorists; Knesset Members Orit Struk (Bayit Yehudi) and Yariv Levin (Yisrael Beitenu) are introducing a bill seeking to limit the president’s authority. This includes redefining the presidential pardon.

Struk’s bill, viewed as an amendment to the Basic Law, appears prompted by recent reports that Israel may release 100 or so terrorists in another good will gesture to the PA (Palestinian Authority).

The bill addresses terrorists only, and as such, it is worded to apply only to prisoners sentenced by an IDF military court or anyone convicted and sentenced by a civilian court for acts prompted by nationalist motives. There will be room for exceptions, citing humanitarian cases or special family cases, which must be detailed in detail and approved by the president.

A number of MKs from Bayit Yehudi, Shas, Yisrael Beitenu and Yahadut Hatorah have already signed supporting the bill.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)