The IDF, Israel Prison Authority, ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and other agencies are busy preparing for the planned return of Gilad Shalit, now set for Tuesday, 20 Tishrei. The processing of 1,027 terrorists slated for release continues, all receiving a presidential pardon from President Shimon Peres.

According to reports, Shalit’s first meeting with Israeli officials will take place in Cairo, where he will arrive from Gaza. The entire process is dubbed ‘Operation Beis HaShoeva’. Once officials in Cairo confirm Shalit’s arrival, the release of terrorists will get underway back in Israel. 450 terrorists are to be released in the first stage of the agreement.

At 6:00am on Tuesday, terrorists will be transported to areas of release. The International Red Cross will take part as is the norm. Terrorists will be released from a number of areas including Bituniya and the Kerem Shalom Crossing, from where Shalit was taken captive five years ago.

100 terrorists will be transported by the International Red Cross from the Ofir Detention Center, and they will then head to PA-controlled Ramallah. The large group, most of the remainder of the first group to be released, will make their way to Gaza and to countries accepting them from southern Israeli crossings.

A small group, including Israeli Arabs and eastern Jerusalem residents, will be taken to police stations in Maale Adumim and Katzrin in the north.

Shalit will be taken to an IDF base where he will undergo a first round of examinations. He will be met by Dr. Colonel Eyal Fruchter, who heads the military’s mental health unit, as well as a military physician and a representative of the IDF Spokesperson’s Office. Fruchter will be responsible for evaluating the soldier’s mental state and the urgency of his condition – if he demands immediate care or if care can be delayed. After Fruchter’s exam other officials will be permitted to speak with Gilad in the presence of family members. From there, he will be transported in an air force chopper to the Tel Nof base in the center of the country.

Officials view the most critical stage of the release will be the ground transport of Shalit from Sinai to Israel. During this time period, the border crossing to Egypt will be classified a ‘closed military zone’ and only military personnel will be permitted to cross the border. The operation will be under the command of Brigadier-General Kobi Barak, who heads military’s Operations Brigade. The plan was reviewed and approved by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.

Officials will await official IDF notification regarding his return home, to Israel. After he meets with family members Shalit will be met by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz.

There will be a very brief media event and from there, the immediate family will be flown to the Shalit home in Mitzpei Hila. An IDF presence will be maintained once he arrives home towards assisting the family as well as to keep others out.

While in Tel Nof, it appears only a limited number of IDF Spokesperson’s Office media personnel will be permitted to approach Shalit and photograph him.

Officials are intentionally being vague regarding the timetable of the operation. Over 1,000 police are involved in the different aspects of the operation, including escorting the terrorists, protecting the Shalits and keeping the press at bay.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)