Maj. Gen. (reserve) Amiram Levin, a former head of the IDF Northern Command, believes that the prisoner exchange deal with his former adversaries is necessary. Interviewed on Israeli radio, Levin said “ we should let our feelings lead us instead of principles and close the deal…the compass that guides us is our emotions. The Jewish emotions are merciful and thankfully so.” Levin also stated he had no opposition to the release of convicted terrorist Samir Kuntar in the exchange, especially if “the government believes that keeping Kuntar will not contribute any new information on Ron Arad.”
Amiram Levin served in the elite General Staff Reconaissance Unit, rising from the ranks to command the unit in 1978. He later served as head of the IDF Northern Command from 1994-1998, during which time he commanded the IDF counter-terrorist efforts against the Hizbullah in southern Lebanon and northern Israel. Following this, he also served as the deputy head of the Mossad intelligence agency before retiring.