We all held our breath as Gilad Shalit was returned to his family following five years of captivity. My rabbinic colleagues, along with many other observers, debated the matter on-line, wondering if the right decision was made to release so many prisoners in exchange for Shalit.
Notwithstanding the enormous pain this may well cause the families of those who were killed by released prisoners, as well as the possibility that further terrorist acts will be perpetuated by the released prisoners, I believe that Israel achieved the best outcome possible given the lousy parameters of the situation.
Israel has demonstrated that she will take great pains to reclaim her own, something which is essential in upholding morale in a nation where everyone serves in the military.
How will this affect Israeli politics? Palestinian politics? The possibility of at least a cold peace between the two groups?
