First Report: Finance Minister and member of the security cabinet Bezalel Smotrich sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanding that a dedicated discussion be held in the Cabinet regarding the conclusions of the Shamgar Committee.
The Shamgar Committee was appointed in 2012 after the Second Lebanon War. Its conclusions were submitted in 2012, but they remained classified and have never been ratified by a government decision or legislation.
Smotrich is calling for the advancement of a legislative proposal to anchor those conclusions on how to address kidnappings in law. He stated “The incentive given to our enemies to use kidnapping terrorism obligates us to formulate a clear, consistent, and balanced policy that will reduce the incentive for kidnappings and protect the security of Israel’s soldiers and citizens.”
It is time to ratify the conclusions of the Shamgar Commission. Profoundly difficult and distressing events have transpired over the years, particularly following the October 7 attacks. The mass release of terrorists in exchange for hostages should be curtailed, if not entirely ceased. This constitutes another facet of Israel’s security that requires reinforcement.