The Israeli government was expected to vote on Sunday on a divisive proposal to approve the release of 104 Palestinian prisoners as a goodwill gesture during the talks with the Palestinians that are likely to be renewed as early as next Tuesday in Washington.
Netanyahu postponed the weekly meeting of ministers by an hour to make sure he had majority support for the measure which he described as painful but necessary to help end nearly three years of diplomatic standstill. Most of the prisoners have blood on their hands and are serving life sentences for terrorist attacks. The list includes also Israeli Arabs.
"This moment is not easy for me, is not easy for the cabinet ministers, and is not easy especially for the bereaved families, whose feelings I understand," Netanyahu said at the start of the cabinet meeting. He was referring to families who have lost members in terrorist attacks.
"But there are moments in which tough decisions must be made for the good of the nation and this is one of those moments," he said.
The 22-member cabinet was also scheduled to approve legislation that would require a referendum for on any territorial exchange that would be part of a final status agreement between Israel and the Palestinians.