The Middle East Peace Argument

 The Middle East Peace Argument

By Michael Haimes

Premise 1: Hostage-taking is an unethical form of leverage that dehumanizes innocent life.

Premise 2: Israel’s past exchanges of prisoners for hostages have lacked legal boundaries, unintentionally encouraging future abductions.

Premise 3: A single, one-time exchange—lawfully codified and never to be repeated—can free hostages while sending a message of moral finality.

Premise 4: Codifying this policy as a unique humanitarian exception removes ambiguity, deters future terrorism, and restores moral clarity.

Premise 5: It demonstrates strength without surrender, compassion without precedent.

Conclusion:

A one-time, law-bound prisoner exchange offers immediate humanitarian relief and long-term deterrence. Peace is preserved through principle, not compromise.