Zvi Shalit
Photo: Doron Golan
Gilad Shalit
Photo: Noam Rotem
Shalit's grandfather 'disappointed with Netanyahu'
Zvi Shalit says nothing has been done to secure kidnapped soldier's release since prime minister took office
Kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit's grandfather, Zvi, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
on Wednesday. "When Netanyahu was appointed prime minister I hoped he would act in a different manner than his predecessor, and so far this has not happened," the grandfather said.
"I asked to meet with him, but have not been answered yet. The next move is in the prime minister's hands only. He is the authority and he is the man who can rescue Gilad."
In an interview to Channel 2, Zvi Shalit said, "Since he was appointed prime minister I can say that nothing has been done. I know there has been no sign of life for a year. Since June 2008 there has been no sign of life from Gilad, and I have not met with the prime minister.
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The grandfather went on to address Netanyahu. "I ask the prime minister to help rescue Gilad. This is something he can do. There has been no result so far. It's a difficult, bad feeling, a feeling of injustice done to us.
"I expect the prime minister to accept the conditions for Gilad's release. The fact that Gilad has been in a Hamas hole for three years, in inhumane conditions, should be enough for the prime minister to understand that he must fulfill the IDF's ethical code and help save Gilad."
'Nightmare going on for 3 years'
Zvi Shalit also mentioned that he had lost his son in the Yom Kippur War. "Our greatest nightmare has been going on for three years, in addition to our bereavement from Yom Kippur. No forceful measure will lead to Gilad's rescue. Quite the opposite. His duty is to help save Gilad, and the prime minister is well aware of how to do so. But he must make the decision. I am continuing the battle for Gilad's rescue."Gilad's mother, Aviva Shalit, said Tuesday in a meeting with students in her hometown of Mitzpe Hila that she hoped the fact the prime minister had mentioned her son in his policy speech Sunday meant that he planned to advance the captive's release.
"After a year with no sign of life from Gilad, I hope he will receive the letter we sent to him recently," she said. "His return home must be advanced as soon as possible, because every day in captivity is a nightmare."
Former US President Jimmy Carter passed on a letter written by the kidnapped soldier's parents to Hamas leaders in Gaza. Hamas sources said the message would be delivered to Shalit. After returning from the Strip, Carter met with Gilad's father, Noam.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into the Gaza Strip 1,088 days ago.
