Netanyahu, to okay phase two?
Photo: AFP
Gilad Shalit, captive for 1,299 days
Report: Shalit deal nearing 2nd phase
Jerusalem-based al-Manar newspaper quotes sources close to German mediator in talks for release of captive soldier as saying path has been paved for completing of second part of deal, mediator to arrive in Israel to receive final consent
Is Gilad Shalit's release from Hamas captivity closer than ever? Al-Manar newspaper, which is published in east Jerusalem, reported on Thursday that the second phase of the prisoner exchange deal for the release of the captive soldier is ready to be executed.
According to the report, the German mediator is slated to hold a crucial visit in Israel that will secure the deal.
Optimism
Roee Nahmias
London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat newspaper quotes Palestinian sources as saying Netanyahu believes he can get prisoner swap approved
The paper, which has reported in the past that the deal was on the brink of completion and that a draft agreement had been reached between the parties, reported that aides close to the German mediator said there was still no final deadline for the completion of the deal – but that talks were ongoing.
According to the report, the German efforts focus on the completion of the second phase of the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding talks in the matter with heads of the collation, and is slated to meet with the German mediator in 10 days.
The German mediator will visit Israel accompanied by a senior Egyptian intelligence official, with the hopes of keeping the Egyptians in the picture.
The first phase of the deal was completed at the start of last month, when a video tape of the captive soldier was transferred to Israel in exchange for the release of 20 female Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Sources told the paper that the mediator hopes to receive Israel's consent in his upcoming visit for the execution of the second part of the deal, which includes the release of top Hamas political prisoners from Israel jails.
According to the sources, the talks in Israel are being held on the level of coalition heads and the limited cabinet.
The paper said that the path towards closing the Shalit deal has been paved for Netanyahu, but that the third phase in the deal is the most difficult, as it includes the release of 'heavy' prisoners.
However, the sources told they paper they believe it will not be long between the completion of the second phase of the deal and the third and final phase.
The sources said there is no point in discussing a timetable at the moment. "The German mediator's upcoming visit in Israel will determine what direction things are taking," the report said.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into the Gaza Strip 1,299 days ago
