Netanyahu urges international community to work to free Gilad Shalit
10,000 people join Shalit family as they begin march across Israel and insist 'We won't go home without Gilad.'
By Barak Ravid, Aluf Benn and Jack Khoury Tags: Israel news Gaza Gilad Shalit Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said he spoke with Noam Shalit, father of captive Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, and invited him and his family for a meeting in Jerusalem.
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Noam Shalit leaving his home in Mitzpe Hila to begin a protest march to free his son, Gilad, on June 27, 2010. |
| Photo by: Yaron Kaminsky |
"Our hearts are with the Shalit family," Netanyahu said at the start of the weekly cabinet meeting. "I urge the international community to work to bring about the release of the abducted soldier."
Noam Shalit on Sunday led his family and supporters on a protest march to free his son who has been held by Gaza militants since 2006. The march, which is planned to end at the Prime Minister's official residence, in Jerusalem, is scheduled to take 12 days.
Police estimated 10,000 people were taking part, including Likud MK Michael Eitan.
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Noam Shalit poses with the President of the Jewish Community of Rome Riccardo Pacifici during a demonstration in Rome on June 24, 2010. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
"Gilad waited four years and he is still waiting," said Noam Shalit after leaving his house in Mitzpe Hila at the start of the march. "Waiting for those who sent him, waiting for his commanding officers, waiting for the prime ministers, waiting for the defense ministers, but they don't listen."
Shalit said his family and supporters are undertaking the march in the wake of a chain of failures on Israel's part over the last four years for which his son Gilad is the only one paying a heavy price.
"No one has volunteered to share the price with Gilad," Noam Shalit said.
Friday marked the fourth anniversary of Gilad Shalit's capture in a Hamas cross-border raid into Israel.
"The discussion about flesh and blood has turned from one about values and ethos to convenience-store negotiations," said Shalit, who added that the family will no longer wait at their Mitzpe Hila home.
"The discussion about flesh and blood has turned from one about values and ethos to convenience-store negotiations," said Shalit.
"I call on the public across Israel, anyone who thinks that four years is enough, to join our march and use his legs to express support and protest," said Shalit, adding that he and his supporters are leaving today for a long journey whose end is unknown.
"But we will return to our Galilee home only with Gilad, our son," he said.
The government, meanwhile, intends to stick to its guns and not give in to public pressure in the negotiations with Hamas over the release of Gilad Shalit in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
The working assumption is that a firm stance will force Hamas to soften its position and accept the terms offered by Netanyahu through his special representative, Hagai Hadas.
Noam Shalit said Saturday night that he was not optimistic. He called on the public to "come and support us with your feet."
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said Saturday, in response to the planned march, "I am opposed to the release of Gilad Shalit at any price. However, I respect the right of Shalit's parents to do what they are doing. If it was my son I would do the same."
Two main issues remain in dispute in the negotiations: Israel refuses to release several dozen "heavy" prisoners, those who led Hamas terror networks in the West Bank or were responsible for major terror attacks during the second intifada on behalf of other organizations. Israel also refuses to release many prisoners to their homes in the West Bank, fearing that they will establish a terrorist network there. It wants them either sent abroad or kept in prison for now, with shortened terms.
Netanyahu, relying on data showing that most of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad prisoners released in previous exchanges returned to terrorism, is against releasing the prisoners who committed the worse offenses and also opposes the return of released prisoners to the West Bank.
The negotiations are being conducted quietly, through indirect channels, but there are no signs that a breakthrough is imminent.
From Israel's perspective the document that was drafted by the German mediator and submitted to both parties 18 months ago is the framework for any deal. The military wing of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, led by Ahmed Ja'abari, rejected the mediator's proposal, arguing that Israel had reneged on previous agreements. Israel argued that Hamas ratcheted up its demands due to its inability to come to a consensus within the organization, which led it to adopt Ja'abari's hardline position.
Hamas continues to blame Israel for the failure of the negotiations so far and has not commented on the march to Jerusalem.
Addressing criticism of Hamas for refusing to allow Red Cross representatives to visit Shalit, Hamas Gaza spokesman Ayman Taha said Saturday: "We can't allow the Red Cross to visit Shalit because he is not in prison, and therefore revealing his location would be very dangerous."
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We're sorry about your son, but there are well over 11,000 Palestinian political prisoners currently in Israeli jails being held, and hundreds of them are women and children. In addition, even though people think it was only a new and recent thing, NGOs like Amnesty International, UNICEF and Human Rights watch have been noting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza for over three years now! It's time to admit that a people HAVE BEEN and ARE BEING collectively punished. That would be a step in the right direction. Some of Israel's actions don't look like defense, they look like Apartheid. That is what the world sees and wishes the Israelis would see as well.
In August 2008, the Israeli Cabinet has approved the release of almost 200 Palestinian security prisoners. Israel freed another 400 Palestinian prisoners and five other prisoners in return for Elhanan Tannenbaum, who was held captive by Hizbullah, and for the bodies of three soldiers kidnapped on Mount Dov. According to an informal estimate by Israeli security bodies, about 50 percent of the terrorists freed returned to the path of terror. In the terror acts committed by these freed terrorists, hundreds of Israelis were murdered, and thousands were wounded. An investigation by the Almagor Terror Victims Association in Israel revealed that at least 30 of the terrorist attacks perpetrated since 2000 were committed by terrorists freed in deals with terror organizations. Many were freed in the framework of goodwill gestures because they were defined by Israel as “without blood on their hands.” The bloody swath cut by these terrorists claimed the life of 177 persons, with many others wounded and made invalids. To read more, see the article published by Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs http://tinyurl.com/26albpy
The Jewish tradition (and law) is to pay a great deal for "redemption of captives", but not an unlimited amount. The case of Rabbi Meir of Ruthenburg (13th cent.) is well known; he forbade the payment of an exorbitant amount for his own release and died in captivity after seven years. Netanyahu agreed to the release of even murderous prisoners, but only if the 45 most dangerous (out of 450) will go into exile abroad or to Gaza, instead of being released to their homes in the West Bank. This strikes me as a fair position. The rest is up to Hamas. Note that pressuring Hamas about Shalit's release by imprisoning 1.5 million civilians in Gaza did not work, is immoral as a collective punishment, and according to some legal experts constitutes a crime against humanity. It is time for the Shalit family to turn to pressuring Hamas by trying to shame them in the Arab world as prolonging the imprisonment of their jailed colleagues. Let Noam Shalit give some interviews to this effect to the Arab press and al-Jazeera. This might even work.
I now realize why people say things like this, they simply have not read the facts behind what is going on. 11,000+ Palestinian political prisoners exist in Israeli jails, many of them are women and children. Nearly all Palestinians are related to or know of someone who has been treated inhumanely and outside of international norms and laws by the Israeli Defense Force, in the eyes of many RESPECTED MEMBERS of the international community. Please at least look at least consider some sources other than the ones you regularly read.
I now realize why people say things like this, they simply have not read the facts behind what is going on. 11,000+ Palestinian political prisoners exist in Israeli jails, many of them are women and children. Nearly all Palestinians are related to or know of someone who has been treated inhumanely and outside of international norms and laws by the Israeli Defense Force, in the eyes of many RESPECTED MEMBERS of the international community. Please at least look at least consider some sources other than the ones you regularly read.
Nick, assuming that the person you argue with is not aware of COMMONLY known facts, is a mistake. It is better to assume that, unless otherwise becomes evident, the person is aware of such things. Now, to actual arguments. You should try to formulate your argument as completely as possible. For example: If Israel is holding 11,000 Palestinian prisoners (most of the security prisoners), including women and children, and on the other hand Hamas is holding one soldier in prison, the what should follow? This you should consider as part of your argument. One possible answer: Israel should release ALL of the security prisoners in return for the 1 Hamas prisoner. There might be other possibilities, but you seem to be inclined on that answer. But then you might notice that even Hamas did not ask for this. Why? Why did they ask for only 1,000 prisoners? Their demands appear to be based on "reality" rather than "justice". And once you get to reality, you might realize that "Israeli security" could be a factor. I have gotten to this point, and I see that Hamas' way to continue, after Israel gave in on the 1,000 prisoners, is to negotiate the narrowing down of the number 45 of "most dangerous". Perhaps you don't agree, but an argument from emotions is not good enough.
As usual, Netanyahu is trying to shift the blame. By calling on the international community to release Shalit, he pretends that Israel cannot do anything. In fact, it can. If Israel does not know where Shalit is located, let it kidnap a very senior Hamas person, such as Khaled Meshaal and exchange Shalit for him. Time to think about such an option, even if 4 years too late. Incidentally, two of the Western hostages in Lebanon in the 80's, Terry Anderson and Thomas Sutherland, waited in captivity some six and a half years to be released, in conditions not better than Gilad Shalit. So the Shalit family should not be so desperate, especially since they received a few communications from their son, including a video. I know they are afraid and heartbroken, but there is also national interest involved.
about the 10.000 palestinians in Israel's jail? Equal rights and justice for all. End the occupation, make peace.
Those in israeli jails are there for terrorist actions! Gilad Shalit was a 19 year old kid patrolling a baorder maknig sure terrorists dont enter israel. Your comparison is sickening.
1. Israel must to increase his pressure on International Community to STOP any financial support of Hamas until G.Shalit will be FREE. 2. Israel has to give to Gaza 1 mounth to FREE G.Shalit by a lot of leaflets and than to stop all SIPPLY to Gaza until hostage will be FREE. Vlad
The Egyptian mediators who had no lost love with Hamas said on a number of occasions that the Israeli government reneged on agreements that could have freed Shalit a long time ago. Israel believed it can wear down Hamas with the blockade and that policy failed. The government should re establish the Egyptian meditation and bring this 4 year saga to an end. Shalit had become to forgotten soldier.
The Shalit story has been publicized world wide. Why even the G8 made a plea for his release. But do recall he is a captured IDF soldier. That same IDF has a hundred times the blood of defenseless innocents on their hands than all the 7,500 imprisoned Palestinians combined. Let’s talk swap big time and he will be released. Until then stfu.
to wash his hands of all responsibility pertaining to Gilad Shalit. When in reality HAMAS has made it perfectly clear what the price for the release of Shalit is, and Netanyahu has made it clear he will not pay it. Well, HAMAS will just sit tight and hold Shalit until there is an Israeli leader prepared to pay the price, and it will be politcally expedient to campaign to be Prime Minister to pay the price for Gilad Shalit. This of course would be helped if HAMAS released more regular videaos to Al Jazeera
All of a sudden Mr Netanyahu remembers there exists an international community. By the way he could also remember that the same community has laws about human rights and laws of war called Geneva conventions and even natural non written laws civilized human beings do respect.
The government's primary responsibilty is the national interest of its country. Unfortunately, the likes of "Gilad Shailt" are "expendible" assets. Public perception should have been better managed.
Hamas should demand all 10,000 Palestinians that Israel holds. Even if this did happen no doubt israel will capture more Palestinians and hamas will capture another soldier or two and the cycle starts again. Shalit is just a pawn in Israel's game.
what about the 10000 Pals. he is holding in Israeli jails? and the 1.5 million in Gaza?
Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz said [...] "If it was my son I would do the same." Shalit IS your son Mr. Minister, he is the son of ALL of us. If you don't find a way to get Shalit home soon we won't have any army left in a few years. Who will serve in the army of a state that abandons its soldiers?
This is your problem and it NEEDS GUTS to solve it...
Is this the same international community that demanded that Israel stop the blockade of Gaza and end settlement expansion?
and first of all the children being kept in adult jails.
If Israel wanted Gilad freed he would have been home years ago.
also work to free the many palestinians kidnapped in the middle of the night from their homes?
March is good but the address is wrong. Instead of marching to Jerusalem the nation should march to the Gaza border and to block the road to Gaza to the tracks with the human fence and cars until Gilad is freed. Sitting at Prime minister office is playing into Hamas hands.
Netanyahu , if you don't follow international laws you should'nt ask for international help. Regardless, this is just a front - you could release Shalit tomorrow if you wanted to.
How about the suffering of 12 million over 40 years... Doesn't that warrant a little intervention by the international community? Of course I realize they are not Jews, but still isn't it time you dealt with that little issue Bibi?
Since last elections Israel seems moving in wrong direction or at least a different path than most the world would like. Weather this is good or bad only time will tell but losing world support is never a good thing if you can help it.
The only victims here the Pals. 62 years of oppression by the IsraeLIES. Hamas has nothing to loose, and much to gain.
and selling rotchild debt theories.
Only Netanyahu has the keys and he and his Cabinet have no interest. The US could do nothing. It would be a lifetime jail sentence for any American to suggest a course of action, like releasing Shalit, to Hamas. That ain't worth it. - Recent Bush Court Ruling If Bibi wants him free, Bibi has to act, not beg for somebody else to do what Bibi's not willing to do.
Yeah yeah and international community urged you to have an international probe on the 9 civilians death. What have you done??? You didn't even say you are sorry for that.
You are talking about only one prisoner and the Palestinians 10,000 prisoners, including children, women and men, of whom spent more than 20 years in captivity and why is defending the land supply and home demolitions alsionih terrorist Government And I swear to God would liberalize land of Palestine is complete and will become accustomed to your country, Russia, Europe and America
maybe we can keep more Palestinians in prison. OK it has been 4 years, but it looks like the Palestinians are weakening. "We" have over 7000 in prison and they have just the one. "We" have women, children and old men. They have just an occupation soldier that fell on sleep upon duty and he is being used by "us" for political means. "We" really don't want him back.
Galit is a victim of Israel's illegal, immoral OCCUPATION policy. Unless it is ended, the conflict will not end. Far better to address the problem, the Occupation, rather than its symptoms, its woes Band-aids will not cure cancer.
Those Israelis with a sense of equality with non- Jews, especially Palestinians, have to finally admit that they severely harmed the Paletestinian national rights and they have to stop calling anyone ended up in their jails as terrorists. Otherwise, I see no end to the drama and the annexation of remaining Palestinian territory. The price will be a never-ending war of all sorts against not only the Palestinians, but the whole Muslim and Arab World with no positive results ever for USrael.
I feel very sorry for the family of Gilad Shalit. I feel very sorry for the families of the 16000 or so (Israel refuses to give exact figures) prisoners held in Israeli jails. But which represents the greater crime? Why are not more Israelis marching to free all the prisoners?
I want Shalit freed too but you are approaching the wrong gov't...You need to go to NY/ Washington...demand a realease from the UN from Washington..get the AMERICAN JEWISH PUBLIC involved...get APAC lobbyist groups to protest...PLEASE march in Washington and UN...maybe have a sit in in front of UN till someone reacts...good tiem now- it's warm enough in NY...I would be happy to connect you / Gilad's family with some Jewsih groups ...my heart goes out to all of you ...as a child I protected for Sharansky in DC..that si teh gov;t to make demands of ..that is the gov't that can pressure Hamas properly..
We're talking about one person, that is not an issue for the UN. And anyway, considering how little the UN is doing for the millions of Palestinians suffering I think there would be very little concern for Shalit.
All AIPAC does is cause problems and bribe politicians into supporting policies that prolong rather than solve the P/I conflict. Israel has to solve the problems it created. Hamas is one of them.
Instead of doing PRH (public relations histrionics) -Shalit's poor family should contact Palestinian families, which family members have been imprisoned by Israel, and together establish an Action of Suffering Families/People. All those families together should lobby their respective governments not only to free the prisoners (10,000+ on the Palestinian side), but to finally, truly and responsibly negotiate peace between the adversaries. All Israelis, who support Shalit’s family should also support this idea, even as a mean of self-preservation – as Israel slowly but surely is bringing disaster upon itself. Wake-up Israelis – and make a genuine assessment of your own behaviour and life-situation, for this purpose free your minds and hearts – even for a while – from your post-traumatic stress disorders, related paranoias, compensatory delusions of superiority etc. The world is sick of your hypocrisy, chutzpah, deception, lies, abuses of many kinds, pretending to be victim while being the aggressor, and cruelty etc. Start rescuing yourself now – better late than never. Good luck!
since israel refuses to talk to hamas or even recognize its legitimacy, it's gonna be pretty damn hard to negotiate anything with them. oh and the only other two options are A) wait or B) go into gaza and try to find him, killing thousands more innocent palestinians in the process and probably a few israeli soldiers too. i feel for them and if this was my son i'd be doing the same thing but the sad truth is that there is really nothing that can be done at the moment unless israel starts treating hamas as, you know, an elected representative body rather than screaming OMG TERRORISTS!!!!!!!!
It is Hamas, that does not recognize Israel, on the contrary, their Magnum Charta, is the destruction of Israel !! Would you talk with someone, who vows to exterminate you?
If you do not recognize that name, I don't blame you. Bowe Bergdahl is an American POW that has been held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for years now. He is not an honorary member of any US city. The Red Cross has never visited him. There is no "Bowe Bergdahl Day" in Los Angeles. Most people do not even know he exists. So here's my question: why? I am talking to all Americans here. Why do we know SO MUCH about this boy, Gilad Shalit, a member of a foreign military--but nothing about a member of our OWN military? Have we really gotten to the point where one Israeli life is not only worth a thousand Arab ones, but also outweighs that of an American soldier? I'm not saying that this kid's situation isn't terrible, but where are the "FREE BERGDAHL" marches? Since he isn't Jewish, it doesn't count...?
during their flotilla raid that killed 9 turks as well?
I really don't understand why we can't release terrorista, take back Gilad Shalit and several hours after either arrested or kill all of the terrorists again?
Each year, about 700 West Bank children, under 18, are arrested, detained, interrogated, and prosecuted in Israeli military courts, in total about 6,500 since 2000. DCI lawyers represent 30 - 40% of them. The report focuses on their torture and abuse in custody.
You are right Boris, but it is under 16. The age of majority is 18 internationally and inside Israel - but for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories it is16...
You are right Boris, but it is under 16. The age of majority is 18 internationally and inside Israel - but for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories it is16...
Why a 12-day march instead of a flotilla to Gaza for all the world to see?
Over 7000 families waiting for their loved ones return.
Why the Israeli Gov't doesn't make a prisoner exchange is strange. If they want their guy free, then free some Palestinians and the deal is done
It is rather amazing that one Israeli POW is cried so much about when thousands of Palestinian POW's languish in Israeli prisons. If the leaders of Israel truly wanted to free their POW, they would agree to release a small percentage of the kidnapped Palestinian men, women and children it holds in is POW camps, yet at every opportunity it refuses to do so and instead expects the world to solve its problems. I think not..
the palestinian prisoners all been to court , and been judged for their sentence . They get sattelite TV , food of their choice , and visits from their families.
Most prisoners only get to see a lawyer after weeks of detention when they are being charged. Chilren are often charged in Hebrew so do not even know what they are guilty of;this is usually for throwing stones.Children are frightened or tortured into giving false confessions. Family visits are routinely withheld as punishments. Prisoners are routinely tortured, put in solitary confinement, denied medical care. There is much more..
Their "loved ones" should not have tried to kill innocent israeli civilians. Had they not done anything violent and illegal according to any system of law, they would not be in that situation in the first place now would they. Thats like saying you will let guilty death row inmates in texas free for Shalit. The comparison between them and Shalit is morally reprehensible.
So what are you talking about
This is one of those "damned if you do and damned if you don't" situations. On the one hand they feel a need to do something to free their boy. On the other hand Hamas may be enjoying their torment a little too much. It's probably time for the government to cut whatever deal they can to free this fellow. Four years! Enough is enough! Some international pressure sure would help.
..behind masks, women and children and buildings of worship. a true warrior is not afraid of anyone, as long as he stands true to his principles. the red cross is not a threat to anyone except the cowardly. sadly, there are too many that are in a state of confusion and fear and loathe their very lives and others lives to the degree of inhuman treatment of everyone their in contact with. sadly, rescuing this soldier will cost many souls. sadly, there is no other solution.
Tell that to the IDF they use human shields regularly..take pot-shots at women and children..
If he is G-d forbid killed in a rescue attempt, Israel should immediately execute the 1000 prisoners Hamas wants. I would bet that would bring Hamas to their senses, and not allow harm to Shalit. It is the only language terrorists understand.
And if that doesn't work Israel can always begin to train thousands of suicide bombers to send into Gaza and the West Bank... The palestinians in Israeli prisons are not hostages. Are you sure you understand the difference between a terror-organization and a democratic state?
The words that come to mind are "SET MY PEOPLE FREE"
Hamas will release ALL Israel captives if Israel releases all Palestinian captives. If Israel withholds one then Hamas withholds one. QED
what a just solution. justice for one. justice for all. palestine for one, palestine for all unless you zionists think otherwise!
It is just a macho game with Israel. After all, Kuntar was considered a vicious terrorist and he was exchanged for two dead bodies. After four years, the Israelis government simply doesn't want to make the trade and hear the question, "why didn't you do this long ago?". In any case, if it is a macho game with Israel then it can also be a macho game with Hamas. The difference is that Hamas has no pressure on them to make the trade. Israel faces increasing pressure. If anything, the easing of the blockade will bolster Hamas confidence.
Our Israeli Govt have not had one easy decision to make in the last 65 years of our existence as we are dealing with terrorists with no values of humanity. You speak against Israel from afar time and time again. We will get our soldier back despite you and all the other haters of Israel, our IDF and our Govt.
Im sure the Palestinians say the same thing of you and yours, I agree with them. Israel is not known for their value of humanity. Your human rights record is just as bad as Irans. Nice job! Only an Israeli can think they are better when in the real world they are just as bad. Wake up from your slumber.
Aside from the fact that Israel has done much to inspire hate, there is nobody that would be quicker to praise Israel than me, IF Israel did something worthy of praise. Preferably something done without needing immense American or international pressure. In my mind, the true Israelhater is one that turns away and says nothing after Israel kills a thousand civilians.
In modern warfare civilians die; and often civilians suffer the brunt of the fighting. It is tragic, it is awful; We can bemoan this fact. We can wish it weren't so, but it's just the way it is. And it seems to be getting worse, not better. The only way to stop it is to prevent war (maybe one day when humans wise up) There are, I suspect, a number of reasons for this - the potency of modern ordnance - the inability at times to distguish between combatants and civilians; the stress on soldiers when one side is expected to observe rules and the other doesn't, the nature of insurgencies and how they conduct combat, the fact that it is impossible sometimes to access combatants without going into civilian areas. Look at some recent conflicts - Sri Lanka - thousands killed; Pakistini offensive in Swat - thousands killed; Wars in central Africa - tens of thousands; Algerian civil war - tens of thousands; US and allies in Afghanistan - thousands killed. NATO in Serbia/Kosovo - about 500 killed. Western armies do it; Middle Eastern Armies do it, African Armies do it. Maybe we should understand that it is something inherent in the nature of modern warfare. In Afghanistan the rate of civilian deaths was so high, and so harmful to the war effort, that recently the US military instituted new rules of engagment in an effort to reduce deaths. They are too be commended for this, but already the ground forces are complaining that their hands are tied and the risk to soldiers is too great. I suspect the new policy will be overturned. These soldiers are not monsters; they are just facing reality and trying to stay alive. Israel has had two major military operations since 2006, and the number of civilians killed in both combined is less then any of the other conflicts listed above, by multiples. (Except Nato bombing campaign of Serbia) (of course Afghanistan has lasted longer ) I have little doubt that there were individual cases of crimes committed by Israeli soldiers ( as there will always be cruel sadist that are attracted to militaries), and I suspect that, on a percentage basis, more of these incidents ocurred during the Gaza campaign, then in other recent conflicts, maybe owing to the intense level of hatred on both sides. However, given all this, perhaps the question should be asked of the IDF: how have they managed to keep the civilian casualty count relatively low.
Don't you think they want to see their prisoners realeased? Don't you think they want to be free. Don't you think their families and comrades love them? Or are Arabs different in your mind?
the same needs wants and emotional attachments as others, but her point was so subtle I think it went over most peoples heads
Israel holds nearly 12,000 POWs ans hostages, including over half the elected officials of the Palestinian Authority. In 4 years, Hamas hasn't changed its demands, they want a specific, less than 10% of the people Israel holds in trade for the one they hold. The problem is that the Israeli government thinks of him as the Shalit baby, snatched from his cradle, not a soldier enforcing a siege when captured. Two days before his capture, Israel crossed into Gaza and took two Gazans, a father and son. And Netanyahu says, if Israel just holds firm, Hamas will fold. When, in 10 or 15 more years? Where does Netanyahu get this intuition or insight, from the way they softened when he was last PM? They aren't sending out suicide bombers any more. Netanyahu doesn't understand, they changed tactics on him.
The absence of action by IDF and Mossad is an embarrassment for Israel. It is time to go get Shalit and bring him home. Tell the arabs to bring him to the fence and release him and there will be no incursion to bring him out. If they refuse, go get him -- and stay until you find him no matter what the cost. The peaceniks on the left have brought Israel's prestige down to an all-time low. They and the terrorists in hamas must be made to believe again. End this nonsense now. Go Get Gilad.
we have a man who has been kept by the taliban for over two years and you don't see us crying, If you want him so bad recommend you do what hamas wants you to do....release all those people in your dugeons.
Very good comment. 100% correct in your analysis. Thanks
Very good comment. 100% correct in your analysis. Thanks
And a Fox News commentator asked the Taliban to do the US a favor and kill him. There is division in the US, too.
they never asked for the 11,000 you have, just 250, take the deal, 4 years on and they haven't returned him must tell you they won't soften the deal, your a real idiot looking after yourself and the rightous party you represent, think of shalit, and israel, think of what the parents, uncles, sisters and brothers of the pals are feeling for their loved ones imprisoned by you.
Sure! Lets just release 250 murderers with blood on their hands so they can kidnap more soldiers, and roam the streets again to plot and attack Israel. Yeah...thats a rational decision.
First you must understand that governments do not behave as indivicuals and they shouldn't. They think first of what decision will benefit their country and make nessary sacrafises if needed, and in this case it is Gilad. This is a fact of life and government policy should not revolve around one soldier (walling of Gaza). Even through I sympathise greatly with the family collective punnishment is no way forward.
You must know the criminal records of every one of the people hamas is asking for right? Majority of these people are innocent and are held simply as political pawns for exactly this scenario. If an Israeli is captured than they can bargain instead of dismantling settlements. But netanyahu seems to stupid to do anything.