Barak to recruits: Israel responsible for bringing Shalit home
During meeting with recruits in military induction center defense minister says Israel has 'supreme moral responsibility of brining Gilad back home using any appropriate, possible means'. IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi later says, 'We will do anything to bring him home'
Defense Minister Ehud Barak told new recruits Tuesday that the government of Israel is responsible of returning kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. "We have a supreme moral and commanding responsibility of bringing Gilad back home using any appropriate and possible means," Barak said at the military induction center at Tel Hashomer.
The minister noted he could not offer additional details on the matter.
Referring to signs of insubordination in the Kfir Brigade, the defense minister said, "We are all brothers, even in the greatest controversies, and should act together."
Later Tuesday, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, during a tour of southern Israel, expressed hope that a deal for Shalit's release would soon be approved.
"I hope he will be returned soon, as someone who sent him to battle and as his commander," he said. "We will do anything to bring him home. I hope he will come home with all of the missing and captive soldiers. I cannot elaborate further."
Tuesday morning saw more optimistic reports regarding an impending deal, with the London-based newspaper al-Hayat quoting Palestinian sources claiming the next two days would be crucial for the prisoners exchange deal.
According to the sources, Israel has agreed to release Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine leader Ahmed Saadat and has accepted demands that he be allowed to return to his home in Ramallah, despite a prior insistence that he be exiled out of the West Bank.
The report also noted that Israel had agreed to release Tanzim official Marwan Barghouti and that his family had been notified of his inclusion in the deal.
Hamas elements told the paper that they would not sign a deal before all their demands are met. The sources said that while much progress has been made, certain details have yet to be finalized and "the optimism is misplaced."
