More murderers are supposed to be released tonight, but it seems that hardly anyone actually wants it to go ahead. A huge protest is scheduled to take place opposite Ofer Prison from where they will be released. The rally is being organized by My Israel - a grassroots group founded by Bayit Yehudi (Jewish Home) head Naftali Bennett before he joined party politics - the Almagor terror victims’ group and other organizations.

The list of terrorists to be released and their crimes has been made public, drawing widespread revulsion and reigniting popular anger at what is seen by most Israelis as a betrayal of justice.

After long weeks of quiet between Gaza and Israel, Grad missiles were fired at Ashkelon just a few hours after the government approved the release of another 26 prisoners. MK Orit Strock from Jewish Home said this is proof that releasing prisoners fans the flames of terror. MK Nomi Regev was quoted as saying that the prisoner release is nothing more than a sign of weakness from the government in the face of terror.

On the eve of the start of negotiations between Israel and the PA, Jewish Home figures made it clear to members of the press as well as the prime minister that they would agree to stay in the coalition if Netanyahu releases veteran Palestinian prisoners but they will leave if he moves to freeze settlement construction.

Israel is worried about two possible outcomes of the release – an escalation of security incidents in the Gaza region, and worse then that, a break down in the current peace negotiations. We can only pray that neither happens.

Sources: IsraelNN.com; TheTimesOfIsrael.com; Haaretz; Nana10; others