Former Member of Knesset Effie Eitam told Israel National News that the deal currently being formulated to release terrorists in exchange for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is a serious threat to every citizen of Israel and will hamper the state’s ability to continue fighting terrorism. This, according to Eitam, is exactly what Hamas wants. “Hamas does not want the prisoner. They want the State of Israel’s defense and legal systems on their knees.”
The reserves general added that the Shalit family is expressing the most natural and understandable position on the exchange but that the state cannot be managed by emotional parents. “The government has an obligation to factor in considerations of deterrence and sovereignty. If this deal will be carried out, it would seriously weaken the country’s foundations and will endanger every citizen by encouraging future abductions. We need the courage to place all options on the table.”
When asked his opinion regarding IDF soldiers who have publicly refused to expel Jews from their homes in recent weeks, the reservist general responded that Israel’s army must remain apolitical. “There is a broad consensus in Israel that uniformed soldiers do not express their political opinions or participate in political demonstrations. However, I support legislative action in Israel’s parliament that would prevent the IDF from dealing with tasks relating to Israeli citizens unless there is an extreme situation that endangers our national security. And I obviously do not think that Jewish families living on a hilltop in Samaria endanger Israel’s security in any way. But either way, conscientious objectors must behave with intelligence and not in a way that tears the fabric of our unified army.”
Eitam recently returned to Israel from a speaking tour of American university campuses. When asked about his experience in the US he told INN that the situation on American campuses is difficult and that many students suffer from sheer ignorance. “I intend to propose to the prime minister that Israel establish a national task force to cover what is taking place on American campuses throughout the year.”