Is a new prisoner-exchange deal in the works?
Netanyahu appoints new coordinator on issue of POWs and MIAs while Hamas hints at possible deal to retrieve bodies of 2 IDF soldiers killed in Gaza war in return for Palestinian prisoners.
The appointment Tuesday of Col. (res.) Lior Lotan as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new coordinator on the issue of POWs and MIAs could indicate a deal to retrieve the bodies of Sec.-Lt. Hadar Goldin and St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul, who were killed during Operation Protective Edge, might be in the works.
Lotan will replace former Mossad official David Meidan, who retired the role after filling the position voluntarily for the past three years, during which he played a part in the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal.
"Israel is obligated to bring its missing citizens home," Netanyahu said. "I would like to thank David Meidan for his devotion and for the professional manner in which he filled his role, and congratulate Lior Lotan for volunteering to take over."
Sources in the defense establishment have claimed there was no development on the issue, but the new appointment on the Israeli side, coupled with hints from Hamas in the Gaza Strip, could indicate a possible deal might be on the agenda.
Hamas has been preparing the Gazan public for a possible deal. Its officials have been implying such a deal could come to pass, but it remains unclear whether their intentions are serious, or whether this is an attempt to calm the Gazan street after the immense destruction left by the 50-day war.
A week and a half ago, Hamas spokesman in Gaza Mushir Al Masri said that the organization was on the brink of a second prisoner exchange deal with Israel, and that Palestinian prisoners will be released in return for the bodies of the Israeli soldiers Hamas has captured.
Al Masri also claimed that the indirect talks in Cairo on a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will help jump start a prisoner exchange deal, in which Hamas intends to try to secure the release of as many prisoners as possible, among them Jordanian prisoners as well, in return for Goldin who was declared dead and Shaul who was declare a fallen soldier whose place of burial is unknown.
On Monday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh told Iran's PressTV that "the cause of our prisoners is our priority, achieving their freedom is our duty," adding that "God willing we will get their freedom and their families will have them back in their arms, I wish them all these soon be released."
Signs recently put up in central junctions in the Gaza Strip also seemed to indicate Hamas' intention to negotiate a prisoner exchange deal, promising another Shalit deal. Stickers with similar slogans have been put on fences and walls across the Strip.
Lotan was meant to be appointed IDF Spokesman in 2011, after the intended chief of staff Yoav Galant chose him for the role. But after Galant's appointment fell through, Lotan removed his candidacy.
The new coordinator on the issue of POWs and MIAs started his army service in the Special Forces unit Sayeret Matkal. His last position in the army was the commander of the General Staff's negotiating team. In 1994, he received the Chief of Staff's citation for his part in the fight to free kidnapped soldier Nachshon Wachsman, during which Lotan was seriously wounded.
In his last role in the army, Lotan dealt with issues arising in hostage situations, and was the head of the POWs and MIAs division in the army. He also fought during the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
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