Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 2013-07-31

Naftali Bennett a member of Israel's cabinet, the Israeli Economy Minister and former IDF officer responded to quote attributed to him, saying, “I’ve killed many Arabs in my life, and there’s no problem with that,” was taken out of context.

He made the statement during Sunday’s cabinet meeting authorizing the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Bennet said his statements during Sunday’s cabinet meeting were distorted by Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. His spokesperson said when Bennett referred to killing Arabs, it was in the context of operations he participated in while serving in the army.

According to The Jewish Press, prior to Sunday's vote, Bennett said, "Terrorists should be killed, declaring his backing for simply killing Palestinian prisoners, rather than bringing them to trial.

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper had reported Bennett's remarks from a cabinet meeting when he was discussing the release of 104 Palestinian inmates with Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu's National Security Adviser Ya’akov Amidror.

Israel announced it would release 104 Palestinian prisoners, a key caveat in the John Kerry-brokered plan to renew peace talks.

Bennett had said “If you catch terrorists, you have to simply kill them,” while Amidror said it was not legal. Following Amidror's reply, Bennett said “I’ve killed lots of Arabs in my life and there’s no problem with that

As Middle East peace talks resumed after a five-year freeze, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have agreed to meet again within the next two weeks, aiming to seal a final deal in nine months.