(IsraelNN.com) An Arab terrorist who was pardoned after promising not to engage in terrorism has been re-arrested for firing at IDF soldiers.

The undercover IDF Duvdevan unit, operating in the Arab-populated town of Shechem (Nablus), arrested Firas Tashtush, 24, for his involvement in shooting attacks against IDF soldiers. Tashtush had been one of nearly 180 terrorists included in a special pardon deal finalized a year ago between Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and PA chairman Mahmoud Abbas.

The deal granted amnesty to the wanted Fatah terrorists, in exchange for their promise to stop their terrorist activities.  They first underwent a trial period of three months; those who passed this period without engaging in terrorism - most of them - were then officially removed from Israel's "wanted" list. 

Sold Their Guns, Received New Ones
Many of the terrorists in question were paid by the PA tens of thousands of shekels for turning in their weapons. Those who joined the PA's security forces received new weapons.

Tashtush was arrested ten days ago, but the news was permitted for publication only on Sunday.  A senior Fatah Tanzim terrorist leader, he was arrested for his involvement in several shooting attacks against IDF forces in Judea and Samaria.

Terror Victims Group Responds
Lt. -Col. (ret.) Meir Indor, director of Victims of Arab Terror, says that the release of captured terrorists shows that the Cabinet is not serious about ending terrorism. “We know of some 180 Israelis who have been murdered during the last six years by terrorists who have been released,” he told Elana Eden of IsraelNationalNews.

“The lesson of this release is simply this," Indor said: "Terrorists who have been released are going to go back to the business they know how to do. And they will encourage others to do what they know, as well."