Negotiating with terrorists

We do not negotiate with terrorists.

After the last decade, most Americans know that phrase very well. It’s common sense – we don’t want to give any edge to people who would harm us, and we don’t want to encourage terrorists by capitulating. The United States certainly isn’t the only country that follows that policy. In fact, any country with a strong military used to fighting terrorist groups wouldn’t dream of negotiating. Right?

Wrong.

Israel, which is famous for its well-trained military and mandatory service, is willing to negotiate. Not just for a prime minister or other high-ranking official, not just for a whole unit captured in battle. It will negotiate for one man.

This man’s name is Gilad Shalit.

Shalit was serving his military time when he was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists three years ago. Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, is offering an exchange. The group wants hundreds of its members, all convicted of killing or planning to kill Israeli citizens, to be released from Israeli prisons in exchange for this one young man. And the Israeli government is considering it.

It seems to go against everything a country in a dangerous region surrounded by enemies would do. Why release hundreds of terrorists for one regular, low-ranking soldier?

The Israeli government is considering more than what a simple exchange would mean. It is the Jewish state, and one of the most important acts in Judaismis to bring Jews, alive or dead, back home, no matter the cost. In fact, Israel is still trying to negotiate with Syria for the release of the body of Eli Cohen, who was instrumental in allowing Israel to take the Golan Heights. He was executed in 1965, and, 45 years later, Israel is still interested in his body’s return.

So imagine the lengths they’re going to to get Gilad Shalit – a living person – back. Specific numbers have not been released, but Israel is reportedly willing to give back hundreds of terrorists.

As someone who grew up in a post-Sept. 11 America, even considering the exchange makes no sense to me. I understand the desire to bring a young man home, but not at that cost. The hundreds of men Hamas wants back have killed hundreds more Israelis. There is no guarantee they won’t continue their work once they’re freed. They could, and probably would, hurt more people.

The message the negotiations send to Hamas is that Israel is willing to give back prisoners for one young kidnapped soldier. What’s to stop Hamas from kidnapping more if the exchange works this time? It’s practically an invitation to abduct more Israeli soldiers and citizens – because Israel will hand over terrorists to get them back.

Israel has held its own through multiple wars and even more bombing campaigns since its inception in 1948, but in this case, it needs to take a lesson from its Western ally for the sake of its continued survival.


Email: hanns@indiana.edu