An Open Letter to the Ministers of Our Israeli Government
Ministers, take note: There will likely be a critical vote today (Cabinet + Government) on the deal with Hamas. Anyone who raises their hand “in favor” in the hope of saving 33 hostages must understand this: your vote will likely result in the deaths of approximately 380 more Israeli men, women, and children.
This is not speculation. This is a calculated reality based on historical precedent—a grim truth the defense establishment avoids confronting. So, we took it upon ourselves to compile the data:
- 1985, Jibril Deal: 1,150 terrorists released; 164 Israelis murdered during the First Intifada.
- 1990s, Oslo Period: 9,200 terrorists released; over 1,000 Israelis murdered during the Second Intifada.
- 2004, Tannenbaum Deal: 450 terrorists released; over 40 Israelis murdered.
- 2011, Shalit Deal: 1,027 terrorists released, including Sinwar and Ali Al Qadi (commander of the Nuhba). Result: 1,160 Israelis murdered on October 7, 2023, and an additional 400 combat soldiers killed later.
The grim total: 12,000 terrorists released by previous governments resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,750 Israelis.
The numbers do not lie. Using the same ratio, releasing the 1,650 terrorists currently under discussion can be expected to lead to the deaths of another 380 Israelis.
And it doesn’t end there. According to a Makor Rishon report, 80% of released terrorists return to terrorism, even if not all succeed in killing more Israelis.
Dear Ministers, do not raise your hand in favor of this looming bloodbath. You know the consequences in advance. If you sanction this tragedy today, do not expect votes from the Israeli public tomorrow.
- Mattot Arim
The Israeli NGO working toward peace-for-peace since 1992
