While an official announcement has not been made, reports indicate that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has called upon Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister of Intelligence & Atomic Energy Dan Meridor to fill Ofir Dekel’s post as negotiator towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit, who on June 25th will mark three years in Hamas captivity.

Officials in the Prime Minister’s Office state that Meridor is indeed a suitable candidate, but Noam and Aviva Shalit, the captive soldier’s parents on Monday told the press they have not been officially informed of any such appointment.

The Shalits add that such an appointment however would be welcome, since it would place a senior minister in the post, not an appointed clerk. “Meridor has the authority to make decision and he therefore, has more authority but on the other hand, we fear Gilad’s release may not be his top priority”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)