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Israel to Trade Convicts for 2 Soldiers

Hezbollah hails swap as evidence of its growing power

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2008 7:33 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Israeli officials today approved a prisoner swap with Hezbollah to release the bodies of two soldiers whose capture triggered a 2006 war, Reuters reports. In return, Hezbollah secured the freedom of five gunmen, including one of Israel’s “most notorious convicts,” the New York Times says. Israeli PM Ehud Olmert said he “vacillated deeply” over the deal, which Hezbollah touted as a victory.

Lebanese activivsts post pictures of prisoner Samir Kantar in the northern city of Sidon today, after the Israel's Cabinet voted to release Kantar in exchange for the bodies of two of its soldiers.
Lebanese activivsts post pictures of prisoner Samir Kantar in the northern city of Sidon today, after the Israel's Cabinet voted to release Kantar in exchange for the bodies of two of its soldiers.   (AP Photo)
Israeli soldier Eldad Regev, 26, captured by Hezbollah guerrillas, is seen in this photo released by the familiy.
Israeli soldier Eldad Regev, 26, captured by Hezbollah guerrillas, is seen in this photo released by the familiy.   (AP Photo)
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he vacillated deeply over a deal with Hezbollah to release two Jewish soldiers in return for an infamous Lebanese convict.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he "vacillated deeply" over a deal with Hezbollah to release two Jewish soldiers in return for an infamous Lebanese convict.   (AP Photo)
The Israeli cabinet voted on Sunday to trade one of the most notorious convicts in its prisons, a Lebanese murderer, for the bodies of two Israeli soldiers.
The Israeli cabinet voted on Sunday to trade one of the most notorious convicts in its prisons, a Lebanese murderer, for the bodies of two Israeli soldiers.   (AP Photo)
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'This is a nasty business': spokesman
CNN

Israel tries to balance core values, fears
Los Angeles Times

Olmert pressured to approve swap
Christian Science Monitor

 
Israel • Lebanon • Ehud Olmert • Lebanon War • Hezbollah • soldier

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