Eli Yishai
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Gilad Shalit
Reproduction photo
Ehud Goldwasser
Eldad Regev
Reproduction photo: Hagai Aharon
Yishai says willing to negotiate with Hamas, Hizbullah to release captives
'I'm willing to do anything to fulfill the mitzvah of returning captives,' Yishai says, adding 'government not doing enough to bring them home'
Deputy Prime Minister and Shas Chairman Eli Yishai told Ynet on Sunday that to secure the return of Israel's kidnapped soldiers he would be willing to negotiate with Hamas or Hizbullah.
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"For the return of the captives Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser I am willing to do anything. I am willing to travel to Egypt, Jordan or any other country to fulfill the mitzvah of returning captives. It is our duty to resolve this matter for their families. We cannot allow this issue to drop from our agenda," said Yishai.
The Shas leader said the government has not done enough to bring the captives home. In breaking from the unified line presented by the government, Yishai, a member of the National Security Cabinet, said he would be willing to engage terror groups directly to advance the soldiers' release.
"Hizbullah and Hamas' use of the media to pressure Israeli decision-makers to release more prisoners in exchange for the captive soldiers proves that there is no alternative to direct negotiations," he said.
"We must negotiate with them directly, not through a third party or the media. We must all pray that the upcoming feast of freedom (Passover) will also deliver freedom to our three sons, the kidnapped soldiers, so they may sit around the Seder table just as the rest of the free Israelis will."
