CBNNews.com - JERUSALEM, Israel - Israel's Foreign Ministry embarked on a new initiative to speak directly with the Arab world via the Internet.

In a videotaped message posted on YouTube, a deputy director from the Foreign Ministry talked about "the real" Samir Kuntar, the best known of the five Lebanese terrorists released in yesterday's "prisoner exchange."

"For Hezbollah, Samir Kuntar is a first-rate hero, while for Israel and the rest of the civilized world, he is the most despicable of murderers," said Ofir Gendelman, deputy director of the Arab press and public affairs department.

"This is a child killer whom Hezbollah is welcoming with praises, cries and parades," Gendelman says.

"Hezbollah is a radical terror organization that is working under Iranian leadership. Hezbollah is proud of [this] cold-blooded murderer," he said.

At the conclusion of the brief statement, the deputy minister issued a warning.

"Respected viewers, just one last word -- if Hezbollah tries to carry out another kidnapping, the Israeli response will be tougher than it was in July 2006."

Source: YNet news