Barak on Shalit: No opportunity for action

On tour of South, defense minister praises IDF chief of staff for lessons learned from Operation Cast Lead, says now is time for diplomacy, sanctions on Iran, stresses Israel will 'bring Shalit home by any suitable and possible means, but not at all costs'

Ilana Curiel|

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Amidst what seems to be a stalemate in negotiations for the release of captive soldier Gilad Shalit ,Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday stressed that Israel is not willing to get the soldier back at any cost.
Speaking with high school students during a tour of Yeruham, the defense minister said, "We have rules. We have set off on military operations to free captives more than once. This is not a simple matter, and it calls for discretion. As long as there is no opportunity for action, negotiations are being held.
"Ultimately, one way or another, we will take any possible and suitable step to bring Shalit home. Not at all costs, but by any suitable and possible means."
The Shalit matter was also discussed in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday. Netanyahu told the Russian leader that the Germans continue to work on the matter, and that Hamas must give its response.
The prime minister said a new and improved Israeli response should not be expected. "Russia, because of its history, has broad ties with all the relevant bodies in the Middle East," a source from the Netanyahu's entourage said. "The prime minister believes Russia can help in bringing about Shalit's release."
Meanwhile, activists for the captive soldier's release continued their public campaign on Tuesday. They placed stickers on goods transferred to Gaza at the Kerem Shalom crossing which read: "The Hams government could secure the release of the Palestinians prisoners and the removal of the siege on Gaza with Shalit's release."
'It's time for diplomacy'
Before his stop in Yeruham, Barak visited the site of an IDF exercise in the Negev, and on the backdrop of reported tension between himself and IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi ,he praised the latter, saying, "The results of the efforts made by the chief of staff and the general staff can be seen throughout the entire IDF, as well as the lessons learned from Cast Lead and the Second Lebanon War ."
On the burning issue of the Iranian nuclear threat he said, "Iran is a threat to the entire world - a threat with existential significance. Now is the time for diplomacy and sanctions."
Barak reiterated his stance that "we must have one hand with the finger on the trigger, and another hand outstretched towards peace. We desire peace, but it will only be achieved from a position of power, after the other side realizes that we will not be worn out with terror or fooled with diplomatic temptations."