and Gilad will be released. May all our prayers come true and Israel's son returned.

For years neither Bibi, Barak or Olmert have been willing to agree to Hamas demands but all of a sudden after all these protests which are likely to bring a left wing government to power next election there is this huge breakthrough and Bibi is willing to make lots of concessions. I have a feeling this is more about Bibi wanting to a popularity boost from bringing Gilad home more than anything else. I certainly hope any Israeli arab prisoners will either be stripped of their citizenship and deported or be picked up again as soon as Gilad is released because they are being freed as a result of extortion rather than then because the law says they have served their time. Bibi is being irresponsible and he knows it because he is thinking about the next election same way Livni and Barak talked Olmert into unconditionally pulling out of Gaza during Cast Lead because they were thinking about their stalled election campaigns and the fact they were behind int he polls.

HOW MANY TIMES have we gone through this? Lets allow for less talking and more action.....

Look, Israel. You need to play this ME-style. First, you make your demands known, stick to them, and nail Hamas repeatedly until they soften up. Right now, you're known in the Arab world as the great jellyfish. You make demands, then change them. You make threats, then do nothing. So, you've gone down this ugly road Israel. Keep going, get our boy back, and make sure you track every last terrorist you release...because you will be arresting or killing them in the following 30 days.

You have to admire that Israel is willing to give up all of these people to bring home a single man. There is definitely some political motivation, no doubt, but still, willing to release so many potentially dangerous people to finally bring one man home to his family; shows how much value is placed on one life by the State. I do hope Israel will keep track of these people they are releasing. If Hamas doesn't fulfill their end of the deal, Israel should see to it that more than a handful of the worse offenders don't make it home to enjoy their falafel....

FORGET ABOUT HIM! G_d bless him and keep him alive and well, but he is one soldier, who did not do as his comerades, fighting to their death. israel is being held hostage, and forced to release hundreds of murderers whom will kill many, many israelis, to save one? comon people, lets be sensible.

Doesnt make any difference if there are a 1000 more or less. At least the security services know the identities of those to be released and will keep tabs on them (hopefully through electronic dog-tags), Get Gilad home asap !!!

As much as I empathize with Shalit's family, releasing so many murderers is unacceptable. We know from historical evidence that once free they are expected to kill way more people than one Shalit. It would also show undeniable weakness at a time when we cannot afford to do so, Hamas' popularity and strength would skyrocket, and victims' families would be denied justice. Israelis should learn something from Americans who do not negotiate with terrorists for a reason. It is PM's job to act rationally and in the best interests of Israel by ceasing negotiation on these ridiculous terms, If you agree with me, make your voices heard to help save Israel form a terrible blunder!

Some one, anyone, tell us how brave Shalit was. How he fought off his attackers, some who were found dead at the spot where he was taken. Anyone ? Israel is going to roll over to bring this guy back by releasing terrorists who will in fact come back and kill people...Israelis.

Israeli press cinical behavior has nothing to do with the position of Israel. Terrorists kidnapping Israelis are not negotiated with.