Army chief: We should free prisoners only in exchange for Shalit
Lit.-Gen. Ashkenazi tells Army Radio Israel wrong to release security prisoners without demanding kidnapped soldier's release in return. Ashkenazi says efforts to free three Israeli captives are rigorous and ongoing
Israel should only free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who has been held in Gaza since June 2006, IDF Chief of Staff Lit.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi said Wednesday.
In an interview to Army Radio, Ashkenazi was asked about his objection to the release of Palestinian security prisoners during the previous round of paroles, and explained that in his view, Israel was wrong to free prisoners without demanding Shalit's release in return.
"Of course, if this is related to Shalit's release or can jumpstart or promote it, it should considered," he stated.
Commenting on Israel's efforts to free its three captives, the IDF chief said that constant action was being taken in this regard. "We are doing the utmost and are sparing no effort… in order to bring this matter to a close."
Asked about a possible IDF offensive in Gaza, Ashkenazi told Army Radio, "There's a war going on there and large-scale forces enter the Strip each night. Fewer mortars are landing in Nativ Haasara, but it's true that they are still falling.
"We manage to handle all the other threats, which should not be taken lightly – infiltration attempts, attacks along the fence and at the crossings. We have also succeeded in curbing rocket attacks," he concluded.
