Israeli Leader Faces Uproar Over Prisoner Release

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's prime minister is facing a political uproar from both sides of the aisle over the planned release of 26 Palestinian prisoners.

Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to free the prisoners as part of a U.S.-brokered agreement to restart peace talks with the Palestinians.

The overnight announcement of the prisoners' names triggered a storm of criticism on Monday. Many have served lengthy sentences for involvement in deadly attacks on Israelis.

Hard-liners have accused Netanyahu of releasing "terrorists." But dovish politicians are also criticizing the deal, saying the releases could have been avoided if Netanyahu had accepted calls to stop construction of West Bank settlements.

Tuesday's group is the second of four planned releases in coming months.

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