Amid reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu plans to replace him, special envoy to prisoner release talks in Egypt Ofir Dekel has announced he is resigning. From his part, Dekel explained that in actuality, he wished to step down during the previous administration of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, but agreed to stay on when urged to do so by Mr. Olmert.

The Prime Minister’s Office released a message praising Dekel’s performance as the prime minister’s emissary dealing with captive soldier issues. Activists working for Shalit’s release echoing the sentiment of the prime minister.

Dekel’s position is a not salaried post officials point out, yet Dekel has given his all, engaged in the ongoing round-the-clock efforts. While there is much criticism regarding some of his ‘successes’, Dekel did secure the Goldwasser/Regev release, which resulted in Israel releasing many arch terrorists and terrorists in exchange for the bodies of the two IDF soldiers.

Opponents insist it was this deal which set a bad precedent, ensuring Hamas will increase its demands for the release of Shalit since the terror organization has learned it can gain the release of many terrorists in exchange for bodies, not just a living soldier. It appears today that this is indeed the case in light of Hamas’ inflated demands.

In the meantime, Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, who is based in Damascus, this week released a message that the terror organization may abduct additional IDF soldiers since this he states is the only way to ensure the release of terrorists imprisoned in Israel.

Noam Shalit, Gilad’s father, has called on activists who have undertaken the grassroots struggle for his son’s release to refrain from protests and other visible actions during the next two months, wishing to provide the current administration a grace period to establish itself. Mr. Shalit released a statement that he is certain the current administration will do everything possible to obtain his son’s release.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)