Israeli lawmakers demand release of convicted killers of Palestinians

Fifty-five Israeli ministers and members of parliament have urged President Isaac Herzog to pardon Jewish Israeli prisoners convicted of murdering Palestinians.

The lawmakers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have called for 25 of these prisoners to be granted amnesty, according to the Israeli news outlet Ynet.

“Over the past few days, the Israeli government has been releasing thousands of terrorists,” the letter stated, referring to the recent prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas.

“Our signatures in no way constitute agreement with their actions,” the signatories wrote in reference to the Jewish Israelis convicted of murder.

"While these Jews languish in prison, leaving suffering families and sometimes even those who were victims of terrorism, they see terrorists, including despicable murderers, making their way to freedom with their people and their families," the letter said.

"We call on you, Mr President, to act immediately for the release of these handful of Jewish prisoners and to correct this injustice."

The signatories included members of the ruling Likud party and several ministers, among them Transport Minister Miri Regev and Culture Minister Miki Zohar.

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