The bill dubbed the Shalit Bill for captive IDF soldier Gilad Shalit passed its preliminary reading in Knesset on Wednesday. The bill seeking change conditions for Hamas terrorists imprisoned in Israel, to revoke many of their privileges but in line with international law.

Supporters hope that downgrading conditions for Hamas prisoners will increase the pressure on Hamas leaders to agree to a deal for Shalit’s release but Hamas officials insist such actions will only compel them to increase demands for the soldier’s release.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)