Even with coalitions talks underway towards forming a coalition government, Arab and other media reports surrounding an “imminent deal” towards the release of Gilad Shalit remain top news in Israel.

In his last days in office, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert appears determined to finally be adopting a hard-line position, unwilling to sign any deal with Hamas until Shalit is secure at home, or at the very least, in Egypt pending Israel’s fulfillment of her obligations of any deal.

Activists working on behalf of Shalit have pleaded with the government over the past year not to enter into the first ceasefire and not to end Operation Cast Lead without Gilad at home, but their voices fell on deaf ears. Baruch Hashem, despite the late hour, it appears the government is not tenacious in its efforts to bring Shalit home. The nation prays it is not too late, albeit aware a deal will carry an extremely high price.

It appears the price for his release will be at least 1,000 terrorists, some among the most senior terrorists held in Israeli prisons, terrorists who will undoubtedly boost the morale of Hamas and other terror factions, terrorists who yearning to murder Jews may chas v’sholom strike out again one day in the future. There is much controversy surrounding the reports, those for and against the release of the murderers, even among the community of bereaved families, which seems divided as to their feelings regarding the prisoner deal as well.

Some feel that anything that will spare the pain of another set of parents is worth the price while others point out with each deal, the price increases and we must stop the madness before these most venomous of terrorists are released in exchange for Shalit’s freedom.

While Hamas continues to release statements that it absolutely refuses to tie the release of Shalit to a ceasefire deal, it appears the Gaza-based terror regime does indeed wish to close a deal for a number of reasons. For one thing, Hamas officials fear if Binyamin Netanyahu becomes the next prime minister, since he is perceived as a hard-liner, a deal with him may be less attractive. In addition, the carnage that has befallen Gaza has left the Hamas leadership even less popular than before Operation Cast Lead, with Gaza in ruins and poverty rampant, as Hamas leaders and representatives continue their reign of terror on opposing factions, making off with the humanitarian aid for their own profit, while the masses languish in dire straits. Hamas closing a deal which includes the release of some 1,000 terrorists, and the opening of the Gaza gates, will bring a badly need boost to the terror regime.

The prime minister has the support of his most senior ministers and it appears the cabinet will raise their hands in a showing of support later in the week, clearing the path for closing a deal which will bring Shalit home.

Gilad’s parents, Noam and Aviva, remain “encouraged” but they add they are cautiously optimistic, praying with the realization that if chas v’sholom a deal is not closed before the current administration steps down, the window of opportunity may be closed forever.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)