JERUSALEM: Israel’s cabinet on Sunday approved the release of 104 Arab prisoners to help restart US-brokered peace talks with the Palestinians after nearly three years of diplomatic stagnation.
Thirteen ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition cabinet voted in favour of the prisoner release, seven voted against and two abstained, a government official said.
“The cabinet has authorised the opening of diplomatic talks between Israel and the Palestinians...,” said a statement issued by the prime minister’s office.
Netanyahu had urged divided rightists in his cabinet to back the prisoner deal.
“This moment is not easy for me, is not easy for the cabinet ministers, and is not easy especially for the bereaved families, whose feelings I understand,” he said when the cabinet met, referring to families who have lost members in militant attacks.
“But there are moments in which tough decisions must be made for the good of the nation and this is one of those moments.”
Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is set to head Israel’s negotiation team, told her cabinet colleagues that resuming talks with the Palestinians was a vital national interest.Reuters
