Relatives of Kuntar’s victims responded to his killing with satisfaction as well as a sense of sorrow that the years have failed to dim.
“Justice has been done,” said Smadar Haran, “but justice for the victims couldn’t really be done during all those years Kuntar was in prison. The fact that he was released by the state and eventually eliminated by the states shows there is law and there is a judge.”
Roni Keren, Danny Haran’s brother, said that while he feels a small sense of comfort at Kuntar’s elimination, it can’t take the pain away.
“They said it was time, every dog has its day,” he said. “I hope it will convey the message: Whoever murders Jews in Israel and around the world, his end will be like that of Samir Kuntar and the Munich murderers. This is probably the only language understood in the Middle East.”
He added: “Samir Kuntar never regretted his actions, despite all the years since…. I waited for this moment for seven years since Kuntar was released. I waited for this moment…on a personal level…to know that when the IDF is tasked with something, it acts.”
The policeman who was killed in the attack was Eliyahu Shahar, and his brother Yoram said he had no doubt “security forces would reach [Kuntar]. I knew he was living on borrowed time.”
Shahar’s daughter, only a baby at the time of the attack, expressed her appreciation to the IDF for the hit.
“It is important for me to mention that my father was the first security officer to reach the scene and try to help and save lives. He was not murdered ‘on the road.’ ”
– CNSNews, Israel Hayom, INN, Jewish Press staff