Channel 2 correspondent Ehud Ya’ari, perhaps the country’s most veteran Arab affairs reporter, announced on Wednesday night that it appears a prisoner exchange deal that will result in the release of Gilad Shalit is in the final stages.

The London-based Arabic al-Shark al-Awsat reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has agreed to continue Egyptian-mediated talks with Hamas, expressing a willingness to continue from the point where talks broke down with the previous Olmert administration, surrounding the release of about 120 terrorists who appear on the Hamas list, but Olmert refused to sanction their release.

In the meantime, a tefilla rally was held at the Kosel on Wednesday night which was attended by Noam and Aviva Shalit, Gilad’s parents. Mr. Shalit indicated he is not optimistic, quoted in the daily Yisrael HaYom as saying “If I was optimistic, I would not be here now”. It appears the Shalits are maintaining a low media profile at present, permitting the government to continue efforts to reach agreement on a prisoner exchange deal. Wednesday, Gilad’s 23rd birthday, marked his 1,144th day in captivity.

Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita was present at the Kosel as well, reciting a special mishabeirach on behalf of Gilad.

According to a Channel 2 poll, 73% of the country supporters the release of terrorists to bring Shalit home while 21% object. 6% are undecided. About half of those in favor indicated they would also support a deal resulting in the release of murderers.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)