Livni refuses to sign petition to expedite Shalit deal

Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni has refused to sign a letter initiated by Gilad Shalit's parents calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to strike a deal with Hamas to free their captive son. "Regrettably, we are already used to the parade of excuses, but it's unfortunate that it all falls on Gilad's shoulders," Aviva Shalit said after meeting with Livni.

Livni's office responded in a statement: "As a general rule, Livni does not sign petitions, protests and the like. Considering the importance and sensitivity of the issue, Livni avoids speaking about the deal publically." (Omri Efraim)