Shalits meet with Barak, Hadas
Kidnapped soldier's parents ask defense minister, Israeli envoy to talks on their son for clarifications on recent reports
The Tel Aviv meeting is part of a pre-scheduled list of meetings, but sources said before the meeting that the couple would ask for clarifications following recent publications on the talks.
The headquarters of the campaign for Shalit's release said the activists were torn in light of the family's request to remain silent.
"This instruction stems from reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu is working determinedly to end the affair," a source from the headquarters said.
Shalits with Brazilian defense minister, Ehud Barak Monday (Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry)
However, the source added that in light of a Der Spiegel report from Sunday, the activists were having a difficult time keeping calm.
Der Spiegel reported Sunday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had retracted Israel's latest offer to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Shalit.
According to the weekly's sources, the entire deal is on the brink of collapse, although officials in Netanyahu's office said negotiations were ongoing.
Israel's latest offer included a list of Palestinian prisoners it is willing to release, including those the Jewish state wants deported to Gaza or abroad. Hamas rejected the offer, as the list did not include a number of well-known prisoners who were involved in numerous terror attacks. Since then there has been no report of any progress, as both sides blame each other for the stalemate.
