Yoel Shalit: Closest we've ever been
As family of captive soldier Gilad Shalit awaits decision on prisoner exchange deal, brother Yoel tells Ynet, 'This is one-time opportunity… Netanyahu in better position than his predecessor' to secure release
As the forum of seven senior ministers discuss the fate of a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, captive soldier Gilad Shalit's family find themselves between hope and skepticism, between optimism and anxiety.
"This is a very fatal day," Yoel Shalit, Gilad's brother told Ynet on Monday. "This could be the closest we've ever been."
Yoel Shalit arrived with his parents Noam and Aviva outside the Prime Minister's Residence in Jerusalem Monday morning in a show of support of deal that would secure his brother's release as the ministers convene.
Shalit spoke of the emotions taking over himself and his family on the day that may be crucial in determining his brother's fate. "A life and death decision is underway, and we are waiting anxiously," he said.
"I am full of disappointment from past incidents. Today I am neither optimistic, nor pessimistic, I am just waiting for what comes out of here, and I want to believe that it will be the right decision.
Yoel Shalit at protest Monday (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"Today does resemble days we have stood here in the past," he said, referring to similar incidents in which a deal seemed imminent, "but today we are closer. Bibi (Netanyahu) has already proven his leadership, he made progress in negotiations and brought about the videotape and is in a better position than his predecessor to bring Gilad back. , I believe this is a one-time opportunity."
Asked if he could imagine the moment of being reunited with his brother after three-and-a-half years in Hamas captivity, Yoel said, "It's hard to imagine the moment after so much time, after 1,275 days. A lot has changed. I am waiting for this moment, to go back to being a normal family, to have Gilad back in his natural surroundings in Mitzpe Hila. These are tense days, we are very anxious about his fate. There's no telling what conditions he's in."
