I knew this day would come. Ever since Israel began to release prisoners as a “goodwill” measure and for hostages, I knew that the time would come when terrorists with “blood on their hands” would be released.

Joy is tempered

As if the result of freeing terror prisoners in 2011 in exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held by Hamas for five years, wasn’t enough of a warning, the next round of releases will be just as troublesome for Israelis.

Following the murder of my daughter Alisa in a 1995 terror attack in Kfar Darom, Israel was able to capture, convict and sentence to life in prison some of the terrorists involved in her death. While they sit today in a maximum-security prison under life sentences, I am sure they are smiling more than usual because of the potential of their being included in the list of those soon-to-be-released prisoners.

Sure, the Israeli hostage families are delighted over the prospect of being united with their loved ones who have been held captive for more than a year in indescribable conditions below ground in Gaza. I’m delighted, too, that families will be reunited, but my joy is tempered by knowing that these terrorists are being turned loose to commit terror again.

Significant risks

This is not my first experience coping with Israel’s determination to release prisoners. Twice before in the last 25 years when prisoner releases were being carried out, I eagerly sought the list of prisoners being released. And when I did get it, I carefully combed the list of Arabic names transliterated into Hebrew looking for the names Nidal Moustafa Bouri, Ahmed Douad Abu Dachi, Maram Ibrahim Salameh and Al-Halim Saheb Omar Balbasi, each serving life sentences for the Kfar Darom bombing. Unlike the United States, Israel does not have a death penalty for terrorists.

There are good reasons to not release convicted terrorists. While such decisions are often driven by diplomatic, security or humanitarian considerations, they carry significant risks and negative implications. The current deal to release prisoners is harmful to Israel, and, in the long run, Western society for several reasons.

The release of prisoners diminishes Israel’s deterrence against terrorism. If it is Israel’s policy of harsh consequences for those who commit acts of terror to deter potential attackers, then releasing such prisoners undermines this goal, signaling to its enemies that even those responsible for the deaths of innocent citizens may eventually be freed. The perception of accountability is weakened.

The release of terrorists emboldens groups such as Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad to commit terror attacks, believing that the price for their actions may not be permanent incarceration. When prisoners with blood on their hands are released, it is celebrated as a victory by terrorist organizations. They portray such releases as evidence of their strength and ability to pressure Israel.

Public celebrations, parades and the glorification of released prisoners not only boost the morale of these organizations but also strengthen their standing among supporters. This can lead to increased recruitment, fundraising and operational activity, thereby escalating threats to Israeli security.

Releasing prisoners, particularly those convicted of murder, can erode public trust in the government and judicial system as it is viewed as undermining the rule of law. Many Israelis feel that such decisions betray the memory of victims and the principles of justice. Victims and the families of victims often bear lifelong scars, both physical and emotional. The outrage and anguish are palpable. We feel that they and the suffering of their loved ones have been tossed aside for political expediency.