Israel's Troublesome Prisoner Swap

By Kevin Peraino

Even some Israelis were pleased by the rumors last week that Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Palestinian leader, could be one of roughly 1,000 prisoners freed in exchange for 23-year-old Israeli Sgt. Gilad Shalit. Doves have long argued that the popular Barghouti, who supports a two-state solution, could be an effective peace partner. But the controversy over another Bar­ghouti is threatening to scuttle the deal. Hamas leaders are demanding the release of Abdullah Barghouti--a bomb maker convicted in 2004 by a military court of killing 66 Israelis--as part of the package. Although polls indicate that a slim majority of Israelis now favor releasing even violent prisoners for Shalit's freedom, many draw the line at unrepentant killers like Abdullah. That may be just as well. The Palestinian Authority is in disarray. The current president, Mahmoud Abbas, and several of his top ministers have threatened to resign, despite an Israeli promise of a 10-month West Bank settlement freeze. Springing Marwan now would only strengthen Hamas, which would rightfully take credit for his release. That would weaken Abbas further--and at just the moment when a strong partner is needed at the negotiating table.