Relatives of Israelis killed by terrorists created serious disturbances in the Supreme Court Wednesday and Thursday in connection with their demand for an order restraining the government from freeing jailed terrorists in exchange for Israeli and other hostages held by extremist groups in Lebanon.
The government insists it has no intention of negotiating such a deal. A three-judge panel of the high court postponed a hearing that was due Thursday until police ascertained whether the persons who lodged the appeal were among the demonstrators.
The bereaved relatives were infuriated because the panel refused to issue a restraining order without a prior hearing. The court held that the demonstrations were a form of public pressure which could not be countenanced. The panel consists of Justices Avraham Halima, Avraham Barak and Eliezer Goldberg. They called in police to disperse the demonstrators.
The Attorney General’s office, responding to the appeal, said there was no truth to reports of an impending prisoner-hostage swap. It stated that any consideration of efforts to secure the release of Israeli prisoners held by a “cruel enemy” would take into account the feelings of the families of victims of terrorism. But the government also has a duty to ensure the safety and freedom of its soldiers and the pros and cons will be carefully weighed before any decisions are taken, the statement said.
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