Clan leaders in Hebron spoke to Israeli security officials, clarifying that the threat of terrorist attacks will increase if the bodies are not returned. Defense Minister Ya’alon stated that as long as there’s quiet, Israel will continue to return the bodies.
The return of Palestinian terrorists’ bodies to their Hebron families during the weekend could be seen as part of a massive campaign by the city’s residents. Unlike other West Bank campaigns, this one was focused, well-timed and managed carefully, from the street level to the political ranks. The campaign was followed by more and more stabbing attacks by Hebron-resident terrorists, amplifying tensions. In the end, Israel decided to go against a Cabinet decision and return the terrorists’ bodies.
“This campaign has been very successful for us,” a major activist, Isa Amar, told Ynet. “One of the high points was, without doubt, the protest on Wednesday, to which hundreds of Palestinians alongside clan leaders, to demand the return of the bodies.”
The protest Amar speaks of was unique. Hundreds of Palestinians came to a checkpoint in Hebron. At first they confronted security forces there, but after a few minutes the leaders managed to calm the crowd and began negotiating for the return of the bodies on the spot.
Two days later, five bodies of Hebron terrorists were given back to their families. To Israel’s chagrin, they were given lavish funerals and official PA ceremonies. Now, Israel is demanding that the funerals take place at night, so that the burials don’t become a public spectacle.
Minister of Defense Moshe Ya’alon said on Sunday morning that returning the bodies will continue if there’s a guarantee of the funerals being quiet and unostentatious. The initial decision by the Cabinet was to freeze all returns of terrorist bodies. Since then, the unrest among Palestinians has been a discussion point, reigniting discussions. Ya’alon has announced that if the relative quiet continues, Israel will continue returning bodies. If not, he says, they’ll be buried in Israel.