Franks Criticizes Pressure on Israel to Release 104 Prisoners

Statement

Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-08) today released the following statement regarding Israel's decision to release over 100 prisoners -- a move that was reportedly strongly encouraged by both the Obama Administration and Palestinians, who insisted upon the release as a necessary precursor to resuming peace talks. According to Franks:

"It is difficult to articulate just how shameful it is that the Leader of the Free World would encourage our ally, Israel, to follow a feckless policy of releasing convicted murders, rapists, and terrorists in hopes of cajoling Palestinians to simply come back to the table to participate in peace talks.

"No President in our history has been as successful in alienating and isolating our friends, while simultaneously emboldening our enemies.

"The situation is telling. Even as Israel is broadly and unfairly criticized in the media for its decision to build new homes in Judea and Samaria, few have noted the absurdity of the fact that Palestinians have made participation in peace talks contingent upon the release of convicted murderers. It is simply no wonder that measurable progress in these peace talks is so rare -- only one side is serious about peaceful cooperation, while the other is bent on using its leverage to extort outrageous, condemnable demands."

Source