Despite rumors that Israel is considering trading Marwan Barghouti, a Muslim convict who was sentenced to 5 life sentences for his role in the murders of 5 people in 2004, for kidnapped Cpl. Gilad Shalit, Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter said Sunday that "Israel views Marwan Barghouti as an extremely cold-blooded killer that should be in prison for the rest of his days."

Speaking at a Sunday cabinet meeting, Dichter expressed his belief that Israel's first priority should be the cessation of rocket attacks by Gaza Arabs against Jewish communities in Israel.