Hagai Amir was released from prison on Friday morning. Amir, 44, is the brother of Yigal Amir, who murdered then-Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin.

Hagai Amir served a 16.5-year sentence for conspiracy to murder, illegal weapons possession, and threatening murder. Half a year was added in 2006 for threats to murder former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

He served his sentence in isolation, and his requests for a day-long leave from prison – common practice in Israel – were rejected on the grounds that he continued to pose a threat. He has never expressed regret for his actions.

Youth groups from the political left protested as Amir walked out of prison and hugged his mother. “Friend, we will not forget or forgive,” signs read.

The Hebrew-language Ynet site reported that Amir is planning to visit relatives in Samaria, where a party will be thrown in his honor. However, residents of the area who spoke to Arutz Sheva had no intention of celebrating Amir’s release.

“He’s not wanted here, and it would be best if he didn’t come,” said a resident of Shavei Shomron, the community named as Amir’s next destination. “We would gladly give up this ‘honor.’” (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 05/04/12)