There’s no other choice

Israel’s deterrence power cannot be placed on Gilad Shalit’s shoulders

Sima Kadmon|Published: 11.23.09 , 15:17

Aviva and Noam Shalit headed to the Knesset Monday. There, they embarked on a struggle, perhaps their last one, to convince the ministers to endorse a swap for their son. Yet they will not be alone. They are backed by many people who believe that after 1,247 days, the time has come for Gilad to come back home.

In recent days, ever since foreign reports surfaced about progress in the swap talks, our collective heart has been shifting between skepticism and hope. How could it be otherwise? So many times in the past they promised us that a deal is close to completion.

However, this time around the feeling is different. It appears that the moment of decision is truly here. Yet what appears to be taken for granted, an offer that cannot be refused, is apparently very far from being that way.

Political sources are saying that Netanyahu is far from being calm. He is concerned that the swap may not be endorsed should he present it to the government. Even in the most limited forum that is closely associated with him, the top seven government ministers, the situation is unclear.

Lieberman, Yaalon and Begin may vote against the swap, Netanyahu, Barak and Meridor will vote in favor, and Eli Yishai may hold the deciding vote. In the government, the situation is even worse: There, some Likud ministers will also be voting against the proposal. The above mentioned sources are saying that Netanyahu is seeking a forum (perhaps some kind of ministerial committee) that would guarantee a majority.

What is clear at this time already is that Netanyahu agreed to far-reaching concessions. Should the deal be carried out in line with the reported parameters, it would mean he went further than Olmert. The list that Olmert was working with contained 125 prisoners he refused to release. Netanyahu cut that number down to 70.

It won’t be simple

We already know the arguments to be presented by objectors to the deal: They will talk about capitulation to terror. They will say that the swap will be carried out in line with Hamas’ demands. They will note that Israel will now have to lift the siege on the Gaza Strip and argue that the deal weakens moderate Palestinians and boosts the radicals.

These arguments cannot be disparaged. They are all correct, and they are all disturbing, especially when the Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs will apparently object to the deal. Netanyahu will need all the help he can get; all the power that the public campaign can offer. And he’s got it: The Shalit family, the friends, the demonstrators, the tents, and the non-profit groups – in short, the Israeli public is on his side.

It will not be simple, a senior Likud minister said Sunday night. This is an issue that has the potential for conflagration, yet the moment the prime minister will throw his weight behind it, the deal will be endorsed.

What will this do to Netanyahu? From a prime minister who does not take decisions, he will turn into a PM that took a major and difficult decision that is proper and unavoidable. We cannot place all of our deterrence power and national strength on the shoulders of one soldier. Bring him back home already.