Originally Posted by Slims

Ok, here are my thoughts: The Palestinians ask for the release of not only the 'regular' low level soldiers who get caught by the Israelis' but also senior commanders who will undoubtedly continue to cause trouble if they are released.

Shalit was captured on what amounts to a cross-border raid by the Palestinians...he was not actively pushing into Palestine, etc.

The Israelis are willing to sacrifice a great deal in order to get one of their own back...They may eventually cave to the demands of the Palestinians (they have already made VERY generous offers) which will only encourage future kidnappings.

The Palestinians are taking human hostages and holding them for ransom...That is unacceptable and no country should even consider recognizing them as a legitimate government. IMHO holding a hostage is grounds for war, brutal and uncompromising until either the hostage(s) are released or the hostage takers are so marginalized they are no longer a threat. If Shalit were treated as a POW that would be one thing, but he is not being afforded the dignity due to a soldier nor the recourse for justice available to the lowest criminals.




Were I in charge I would take a very, very hard line towards hostage taking...I would not negotiate even though it would likely result in the deaths of the (few) hostages that were taken. I would viciously pursue every avenue (except capitulation) that may lead to the release or rescue of the hostages. I would try to track down and kill every individual involved, whether the hostage is eventually released or not.

If the hostage-takers have pseudo-state sponsorship, I would do everything practical to crush that state and remove the government from power. If in that process I destroyed the infrastructure of the state then so be it, I would walk-away after my goals are met.

If you don't like that attitude then don't kidnap my citizens.