In response to the prisoner exchange that led to Gilad Shalit’s release, dozens of Israeli high school seniors have signed a petition opposing the release of terrorists — even in the event that they themselves become prisoners of war.
“If I’m abducted, I prefer to stay in prison so that terrorists are not released,” said David Lotan, a Rishon Lezion teen who signed the petition.
The future IDF soldiers note in the letter that they would agree to a prisoner swap, if it was done in accordance with international conventions that call for one POW to be exchanged for another.
The youths hope to gather thousands of signatures before submitting the letter to Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.
Those who have already signed the petition said they intend to enlist in the army’s combat units after graduating from high school.
The petition was initiated by the National Union party’s Young Leadership movement. — ynetnews.com