Former Shin Bet chief calls for release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners

Former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon said in an interview with Haaretz that the release of all Palestinian prisoners, including Palestinian political figure Marwan Barghouti, in exchange for all the hostages held by Hamas may present a proper peace deal.

To Ayalon, the release of all hostages would be the closest thing to a "picture of victory" that Israel could present in its war in Gaza. Additionally, he believes Barghouti is "the only Palestinian leader who can be elected and lead a united and legitimate Palestinian leadership toward a path of mutually agreed separation from Israel."

Ayalon also criticised the Israeli government's policy towards Palestinians, most notably prime minister Netanyahu's policies.

"The misconception was that the Palestinians aren't a people, and if we allow them to have economic prosperity, they'll give up the dream of independence," he said. "In the end, the Palestinians define themselves as a people. They're willing to kill and be killed for their independence, and the terrorists who are killed turn into martyrs in their eyes."