Some Israeli Cabinet members oppose a prisoner-exchange deal with Hezbollah because it includes releasing Palestinian prisoners. The ministers say they’re worried the deal — in which Israel would gain the release from Lebanon of kidnapped businessman Elhanan Tannenbaum and the remains of three abducted Israeli soldiers — would provide incentives for future attempts to kidnap Israelis, Ha’aretz reported. “The moment kidnapping proves itself as an effective means of releasing prisoners who have blood on their hands, the lives of all Israelis everywhere will be at risk,” said Effi Eitam, Israel’s minister of housing and construction. Last week, Israeli officials indicated a deal was close at hand. Israel’s point man on negotiations with Hezbollah, Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran, is in Germany for talks on the issue.
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