Compelling us back in time a number of months, Defense Minister Ehud Barak is once again singing a familiar tune, calling for a renewal of the Gaza ceasefire, which he insists will facilitate obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit. This was one of his selling points at the onset, some five plus months ago, but Shalit remains in Hamas captivity, now approaching 900 days.

He stated the renewing the ceasefire will serve as an impetus towards renewed diplomatic efforts, adding to obtain Shalit’s release some “difficult decisions will be required,” adding he is “ready to make them”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)