Hamas’s demand for 450 prisoners, some with blood on their hands, in return for Gilad Schalit, has provoked soul-searching in the highest reaches of the Israeli government. On one hand, Israeli military policy has always emphasized the necessity of freeing captured Israeli citizens. However, Hamas’s list of prisoners includes Abdallah Barghouti, Hassan Salameh, and Nail Bargouti, together responsible for the deaths of over 130 Israelis, and Marwan Barghouti, serving 5 life sentences for the murders of Israelis. The mathematical inequalities and the high-profile names Hamas has demanded has led many to question how far the State of Israel should compromise on behalf of one of its own.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3485938,00.html

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Despite some differences in interpretation we are still in agreement with the administration that Iran’s nuclear program is dangerous. The Americans and President Bush explicitly pointed out that Iran has yet to divulge the fact that they have had a secret nuclear weapons program and their ongoing support for terror groups is still a great concern. What is important to note, however, is that the NIE shows that sanctions and pressure have had a positive affect.

Haaretz provides an overview:

Jerusalem says Iranian nuclear push continuing

By Haaretz Correspondents and Staff , By Barak Ravid and Aluf Benn

Israeli officials said yesterday that their assessment of Iran’s nuclear program differed greatly from the U.S. intelligence report published on Monday.

“Iran has not stopped trying to get a bomb,” a senior military source told Haaretz yesterday. “[Iran] has hidden many [of its actions] and is continuing to produce uranium. It’s very determined over the nuclear issue.” Advertisement

Israel sent a message to the U.S. administration through diplomatic channels asking Washington to clarify its stance toward the Iranian nuclear program.

U.S. President George W. Bush, meanwhile, is expected to make his first presidential visit to Israel next month.

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