$1m price tag on Israeli soldiers
A MEMBER of Saudi Arabia’s royal family has increased to $1 million a reward offered by a Saudi cleric to anyone who captures an Israeli soldier to swap for Palestinian prisoners.
Prince Khaled bin Talal, brother of billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, told the kingdom’s al-Daleel TV station that he was raising a previous offer made by Sheik Awadh al-Qarani, a prominent Saudi cleric who promised $100,000 (£62,000) for capturing an Israeli soldier.
The Saudi offers follow in the wake of the release of Sergeant Gilad Schalit, who was held by Hamas in Gaza for more than five years. Israel has agreed to free more than 1,000 prisoners in exchange.
Prince Khaled said he made the offer in response to what he said were Israeli threats against Sheik Qarani’s life.