2:03PM IL: The cabinet at this hour continues to deliberate the proposed prisoner release deal between Israel and Hizbullah that would result in the release of the bodies of soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. A vote is expected this afternoon.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a short time ago told cabinet ministers at the weekly meeting that the soldiers are dead, of this Israel is certain, adding no information regarding their condition has been obtained from Hizbullah.

Olmert told ministers that after weighing all the pros and cons, he has decided to support the move, which is contrary to recommendations of the heads of the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) and the Mossad Intelligence Agency, both fearing the release of Samir Kuntar will send the wrong message to terrorists and possible encourage future efforts to kidnap soldiers. (Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)