Noam Shalit, IDF soldier Gilad Shalit’s father, told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Monday afternoon that Egypt has not played a major role towards obtaining his son’s release for about a year.

In a pained voice, he explained that government officials do not update him and most of his information is obtained from newspapers and the media, like everyone else.

Mr. Shalit stated he cannot conceive a situation in which Israel signs on any agreement with Hamas that does not include the release of Gilad, who has been in Hamas custody since June 2006.

Shalit stated it is most unfortunately that the government hasn’t yet agreed to a prisoner release, unfortunate for Gilad and unfortunate for the Arabs awaiting their loved ones at home, explaining that at the end of the day, Israel will release terrorists as has been the case in the past and there is no reason for another day to go by with Gilad in captivity.

Informed government sources report that talks to obtain Shalit’s release have not been conducted by Israel for a number of months.

Ofir Dekel, who is the prime minister’s agent dealing with the IDF captives and MIA soldiers this week expressed sharp criticism against the prime minister and defense minister, stating he is not certain they feel compelled to include Shalit’s release in a deal with Hamas towards a ceasefire in Gaza.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)