Why is Israel negotiating with terrorists?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080707/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_lebanon

Answer 1

There is no negotiating with murderers.  You must eliminate them.

Answer 2

While seemingly the wrong thing to do, if Israel wants peace they'll have to make some sacrifices to get it. If exchanging some prisoners will mean one less bus or restaurant blown up, it was worth it.

Answer 3

Because there are no "democratic" or  moderate parties in power to negotiate with. When Israel tries to deal with Arafat's old "Fatah" organization the Palestinian people elect the more extreme Hamas party/paramilitary org. etc.. Politics and religion are historically inseparable from one another. If Israel is to maintain any support anywhere they have to be seen as going the extra mile for peace. It is probably the attitude of many in the Israeli ruling elite that negotiations will fail as they have on just about every occasion. It is to be hoped that one day a situation arises where the Israelis and Palestinians simultaneously have strong leaders who despite party affiliation can impose through force of personality, trust of their people, and the propriety of their positions, acceptable accords that lessen violence and open the door to further negotiated advances.

Martin Griffin

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Answer 4

They create them, they can negotiate with them;)