GEN. CHIEF OF STAFF ASHKENAZI OPPOSES RELEASING FATAH MEMBERS

Israel's General Chief of Staff has made an unusual move by voicing opposition to the government's releasing any prisoners from Fatah, also because Gilad Shalit wouldn't be helped by it (via One Jerusalem):

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi expressed his opposition on Monday to the inclusion of 16 Fatah members from Gaza on Israel's list of prisoners who are slated for release as a gesture to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas ahead of the Annapolis conference. [...]

Ashkenazi explained his objection to the release of the Fatah members who hail from Gaza by saying that such a move "would not bolster Abbas or (Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad)", stressing the fact that Israel had recently declared Gaza a "hostile entity".

Ashkenazi was also opposed to the release of Palestinians prisoners from Gaza during the Ramadan holiday less than two months ago, saying such a gesture was "immoral" as long as Shalit remained in captivity.

It's a good thing he brought that up. Shalit should not be forgotten, and something tells me that releasing those Fatah members would actually bolster Hamas, if their loyalty turned out to be for them.

Benjamin Netanyahu has also come out against Olmert's government, and Gideon Saar says that:

"the moves aimed at drying out communities and towns in the Judea and Samaria and harassing every community, including cities beyond the Green Line – are cruel and anti-Zionist acts."

Yes.