President Shimon Peres has turned down a request to pardon the Halamish brothers, Yitzchak, 28, and Danny, 35, who are serving 8 and 7 month prison sentences after being found guilty of attacking Arabs in a Gush Etzion incident.

The two came to the rescue of Jews being attacked by an Arab mob but were later found guilty of assault and sentenced to prison.

In a number of weeks, the prison parole board will convene at which time it is likely one-third will be taken off their sentences for good behavior, as is customary, so in essence, the presidential pardon would have resulted in the two being release about 2 months ahead of completing their terms.

Ironically, Peres’ decision came as the cabinet voted to release 200 Arab terrorists in yet another good-will measure to the PA (Palestinian Authority).

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)