Because why not, right?

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert intends to release more Palestinian prisoners as a gesture of good will to the Palestinian Authority prior to the Annapolis summit. The prime minister is currently examining a request by the PA for freeing as many as 2,000 prisoners, according to sources in his bureau, but no decision has yet been made on the final number or the timing of the release... In recent months Israel has twice freed Palestinian prisoners, as a gesture of good will meant to bolster the position of PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. A total of 250 prisoners were released on the eve of the summit at Sharm el-Sheikh in June, and 90 more in September, for the holy month of Ramadan. The last release of prisoners was opposed by Shas and Yisrael Beitenu coalition partners, as well as by Minister of Transport Shaul Mofaz of the prime minister's party, Kadima.

You know why he's doing it? Because the Palestinians have said that it's necessary to "make them believe in the peace process". That's an awesome trick - whatever you want, good or bad, you just tie to the peace process. It can make sense, it can not make sense. Who cares? If wild fires in California can be blamed on the Iraq war, then freeing 2,000 prisoners is necessary to make the Palestinians believe in the peace process.

This is Olso all over again: the Palestinians are essentially saying that they're too stupid to negotiate over concessions like everybody else, but that like immature little children they have to feel good about it. The Israelis, on the other hand, don't have to feel good or believe in anything - after all, it's not like anybody believes that the peace process is supposed to make their lives better. [Photo]

References:
* PM to free more Palestinian prisoners ahead of summit [Ha'aretz]
* Newly deployed PA police force leaves Nablus to IDF at night [Ha'aretz]

Previously:
* People Who Say That Abbas's Referendum Endorses a Two State Solution are Either Ignorant or Lying
* Palestinians: "If Israel Frees Terrorists And Promises Not To Retaliate For The Last Atrocity, We'll Promise To Wait A Week Before Committing The Next Atrocity"
* Gilad Shalit Is Alive, Forced To Say That Hamas Is Letting Him Die (Updated: Shas Leader Calls For Direct Prisoner Talks With Hamas)