Shalit. Will be spending 4th Passover in captivity
Photo: AFP
Reservists to PM: Restore Shalit his freedom
IDF officers, reserve troops issue letter addressed to Benjamin Netanyahu protesting the fact that captive soldier Gilad Shalit has been in captivity for nearly four years. 'You must take responsibility and make a brave decision,' letter notes
A group of Israel Defense Forces officers and reserve troops are planning to forward a letter Sunday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in protest of the fact that captive soldier Gilad Shalit will be spending his fourth Passover in captivity.
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The reserve soldiers, members of "Gilad's Army of Friends," expressed protest that a deal to release Shalit has yet to be implemented. "It appears that the prime minister is unwilling to complete the necessary step to save Gilad Shalit's life," the letter noted.
The reservists place responsibility for the deal's failure on Netanyahu and his government. "To the best of out knowledge and according to various media reports, in July 2009 Israeli mediator Hagai Hadas together with the German mediator reached an understanding with Hamas which stipulated the names of Hamas prisoners to be released in exchange for Gilad Shalit.
"However, in December 2009 the Israeli government and the prime minister decided to cancel all agreements reached after great efforts on the part of the Israeli and German mediators. The direct result of Israel's withdrawal from the understandings is a grave injury to Gilad Shalit while putting his life at risk."
The reserve troops called on Netanyahu to take responsibility and make a brave decision. "We call on you as citizens and soldiers aware of the Shalit family's pain – restore Gilad his freedom."
'Nerves of steel required'
One of the letter's initiators, Tzahi Leon, told Ynet, "It's a matter of four or five terrorists that is holding everything up. We as soldiers and officers in reserve duty will not drop to our knees for four or five terrorists. If our security depends on these four or five, then it's very sad."
Head of the National Information Directorate Nir Hefetz said in response, "The prime minister has instructed all the relevant parties to make every effort to return Gilad to his family and his people as soon as possible. In order to succeed in this important task one must be wise, patient, cool have nerves of steel."
The reserve troops previously demonstrated in front of Defense Minister Ehud Barak's home and during a meeting with him and presented Barak with a petition calling for the implementation of the deal.
Gilad Shalit was abducted to the Gaza Strip 1,371 days ago
