Subscribe to Print Edition | Fri., March 13, 2009 Adar 17, 5769 | | Israel Time: 01:49 (EST+7)   Back to Homepage web haaretz.com Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File

Gilad's father to Hamas: The best offer you'll get By Barak Ravid and Nir Hasson Noam Shalit, the father of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, urged Hamas to reach an agreement with Israel over a prisoner swap that will include his son, saying the current offer was the best they will get. Speaking at the protest tent outside the house of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the soldier's father received hundreds of visitors and supporters including many lawmakers. "I suggest Hamas reach a deal. These are the best terms it will get," Shalit said. Advertisement The prominent guests who came to see Shalit at the tent yesterday included Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer of Labor. "This is the time for action," Ben-Eliezer said. "There's no time for debate or arguments. I am aware that there's a serious moral argument over the price but despite everything that the prime minister has done, it has not yet reached the cabinet table. I cam calling on the prime minister not to let the clock go on ticking. This government cannot depart without bringing Shalit back." MK Dalia Itzik (Kadima) visited Shalit later in the day and said the prime minister had gone to great pains to bring about the soldier's release. Itzik was heckled by youths during an impromptu press conference and quickly left after her meeting with Shalit. Meanwhile, hundreds of ordinary citizens arrived at the tent to show support for the soldier's family. At the same time a small group of people participated in a demonstration near the protest tent against the release of terrorists in a possible prisoner swap. "I respect the Shalit family but there are a number of ways to bring Shalit back that have not been tried like a military and financial option," a protester said. Senior Israeli negotiator Ofer Dekel is currently holding indirect talks via Egyptian mediation with Hamas in Cairo to reach an agreement with the Islamic group over the release of Shalit. A senior government source said Dekel's goal was to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas over the identity of the hundreds of Palestinians who will be released from Israeli prisons in return for Shalit. Bookmark to del.icio.us   J'accuse Facing rape charges, Katsav says 'I haven't surrendered'. Capital punishment Madoff pleads guilty to huge financial swindle.

Read & React Clinton: U.S. Gaza aid tied to recognition of Israel Responses: 129 Gideon Levy: Everyone agrees the war in Gaza was a failure Responses: 105 Pope: Vatican erred over bishop who denied Holocaust Responses: 13 Hamas condemns Gaza rocket strikes on Israel Responses: 37 Australia threatens to quit Durban 2 anti-racism meet Responses: 63 More Headlines 00:06 Katsav advisors resign after press conference 22:32 Facing rape charges, Katsav says 'I haven't surrendered' 23:20 Hamas strongman Zahar denies contacts being held over Shalit 20:24 Madoff pleads guilty to huge financial swindle 16:02 Hamas condemns Gaza rocket strikes on Israel 18:15 Pope: Vatican erred over bishop who denied Holocaust 16:48 Yisrael Beiteinu: Coalition deal won't be signed Thursday 13:32 Livni: Israel still a long way from achieving gender equality 20:50 Teens to Olmert: Enlisting in IDF tougher with Shalit in captivity 15:47 Australia threatens to quit Durban 2 anti-racism meet 13:02 Lawyer: Iraqi journalist jailed for 3 years for hurling shoes at Bush 12:02 Katsav accuser: 'He tried to take down my pants, there was a struggle' 13:27 Israeli wins French prize for book questioning origins of Jewish people 13:58 U.S. official slams Israel 'lobby' after withdrawing from top intel post Previous Editions Select Day 12 mar 11 mar 10 mar 09 mar 08 mar 06 mar 05 mar 04 mar 03 mar 02 mar 01 mar 27 feb

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