Israel and the Lebanese Party of Allah (Hizballah) agree to a prisoner swap.
Israel sends over an alive & well Samir Kuntar to Hizballah.
Hizballah sends over 2 coffins containing the mutilated corpses of 2 Israeli soldiers.
Samir Kuntar -- you know, the guy who was imprisoned for murdering an Israeli policeman, taking an Israeli family hostage, shooting the father in the back of the head while his wife and daughter watched, and smashing in the 4 year old daughter's head, killing her as well.
Israeli President Shimon Peres, who authorized the prisoner swap, released a statement today,
"As Kuntar the murderer, who crushed the skull of four year old Einat with his gun butt and shot her father in cold blood, is released, the nation of Israel is in tears.
Israel is in the right, and justice is the true expression of man's victory. We will bow our heads in memory of the heroes who died. We shall continue to stand upright, as a nation guided by morals.If we ask where the supreme moral victory lies and where human defeat lies; in the welcome for an indescribably vile murderer or the candles in memory of loved ones, the answer is clear. Lebanon shall be ashamed and it needs this shame in order to survive properly."
Great speech, but it's hard to believe those words when the foolishness of the government authorized this "prisoner" swap in the first place.
Sometimes I wonder whether Messiah's "love your enemies" instruction was not meant to be applied in all circumstances. I relate more to the psalmist's words!
If only you would slay the wicked, God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
They invoke your name, God, with evil intent;
yes, your enemies misuse it.
Lord, how I hate those who hate you!
I have contempt for those who defy you!
I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.