U.S. Backs Israel on Prisoner Release

The U.S. supported Israel’s record for freeing Palestinian prisoners and warned that unilateral acts and statements would “court disaster” in peace efforts. “In our view at this stage, the Israelis have done what they said they would do,” State Department spokesman James Foley said. In October, Israel pledged to free 750 prisoners. The Palestinians want political prisoners freed and have accused Israel of padding its release roster with common criminals. Israel has refused to release prisoners who it says have “blood on their hands.”