Hagai Hadas travels to Cairo
Photo: Moshe Millner, GPO
Hadas holds first Egypt talks on Shalit
Netanyahu's new envoy to talks on captured soldier meets with Egyptian intelligence chief
Hagai Hadas on Tuesday concluded his first round of talks with top Egyptian intelligence officers in efforts to free kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.
Egyptian President on Shalit
Roee Nahmias and Reuters
In Cairo meeting with President Peres, Egyptian leader says he believes Israeli soldier is fine and that the matter will be resolved soon. Mubarak urges Israel to stop construction in settlements, land confiscation
It was the first visit to Egypt by Hadas, a former Mossad official who was appointed after Netanyahu took office in March. Netanyahu's office refused to comment.
Hamas is seeking the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel, many of whom are serving lengthy terms for deadly attacks. Israel has said Hamas' demands are excessive.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak told an Israeli newspaper last weekend that Netanyahu's predecessor, Ehud Olmert, came close to reaching a deal shortly before leaving office, but that he changed his mind and talks broke down.
Last week, Mubarak announced that Shalit was in good condition and expressed hope he would be released soon. However, he gave no details on where he got his information. A Hamas official later dismissed Mubarak's comments as "wishful thinking."
