Barak heading to Washington
צילום: AFP
Barak: Reports on Shalit incorrect, potentially harmful
Defense minister denies wave of reports in Arab media about breakthrough and real progress in talks for prisoner exchange deal, says dispute with Americans over settlement construction not yet resolved
Defense Minister Ehud Barak clarified Sunday morning that the optimistic reports on a possible prison release deal between Israel and Hamas were "incorrect and may even be causing damage."
Arab media outlets have been reporting in the past few days about progress made on the matter, including far-reaching agreements on the release of Palestinian prisoners and reports that kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit would be freed from captivity in Gaza and turned over to Egypt very soon.
None of these reports has been confirmed by the Israeli or Palestinian side.
Barak, who is expected to leave for Washington in order to discuss the American demand for a stop to settlements, said that the matter had yet to be resolved.
"It's possible that the regional issue – including the Syrian one – will be raised as part of our discussions with the Americans," he added.
Cabinet meeting (Photo: Dudi Vaaknin)
The Yedioth Ahronoth daily reported Sunday morning that the defense minister would promise the Americans a three-month freeze in settlement construction, including in terms of "natural growth". The report angered several ministers.
"If anyone has such an idea, they better shelve it. Such a plan will not pass," said Environment Protection Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud).
Shas Chairman Eli Yishai said, "If there is such a plan, it should not be activated. This is not the first time Barak makes such remarks."
Minister Avishay Braverman (Labor) said, on the other hand, that "the most important thing is to reach understandings with the Americans. This means that some of the settlements will be removed and some will remain."
