The family of an Israeli police officer who was killed by Samir Kuntar filed an appeal Monday with the High Court of Justice against the release of the Lebanese terrorist within the framework of the prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hizbullah.

Eliyahu Shahar was killed by Kuntar along with Danny Haran and his 4-year-old daughter during a 1979 raid on the northern coastal town of Nahariya.

The appeal was submitted by Shahar’s family and the Almagor Terror Victims Association. “It is important that the public realize that a mass murderer is about to be released,” brother Yoram Shahar said at the courthouse in Jerusalem. “We are going to regret (releasing Kuntar). I’ll do everything in my power to stall the deal, and if possible have it annulled entirely.”

Eliyahu Shahar’s other brother, Haim, recently told Ynet “Samir Kuntar ruined my life; I lost my brother, and now he may be freed. I want the captive soldiers to return home, but I also want the terrorist to rot in jail.”

Shimon Peres’ office is expected to receive the official request to pardon Kuntar within the next few days, but an aide said the president won’t approve the request until “a certain stage” in the deal is reached to make certain the prisoner swap is implemented in full.

The president is expected to consult with the relevant officials, including negotiator Ofer Dekel, before reaching his decision.

Shahar brothers in court Photo: Gil Yohanan