Outspoken Likud MK Miri Regev is leading a letter-writing campaign calling for the release of several “nationalistic” Jewish prisoners convicted of terrorism against Palestinians and Arab citizens of Israel.

The demand comes as Israel prepares to release the fourth and final round of Palestinian prisoners on March 29, a move that is deeply controversial.

“We don't ignore the severity of their actions,” wrote MK Regev in a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, acknowledging the crimes committed by the Jewish prisoners.

“However, while these Jews rot in prison, leaving behind broken families, they watch how terrorists with blood on their hands make their way back to their families and back to freedom.

“Needless to say how painful it is for us to watch these terrible people, who hurt so many Israeli families, go free, but keeping the Jewish prisoners in jail constitutes a policy of discrimination towards them.”

The letter has been signed by 30 other MKs belonging to the Charedi United Torah Judaism, Shas and Jewish Home.

While Ms Regev’s letter does not mention the names of those she wants released, it is thought that the list includes a number of prisoners convicted of attempted murder and the kidnapping of Palestinians.

The letter also claimed that Arab terrorists were much more likely to reoffend than Jewish prisoners, who have “never repeated their actions”.