Shas leader Minister R’ Eli Yishai announced his party will not be the one to sabotage a deal for the release of Gilad Shalit, explaining that while the conditions of such a deal are not know, he will not raise his hand to defeat such a move. In actuality, Shas is planning to avoid taking a position, as Yishai explained.

Shas is indicating that the party may abstain, seeking to be everything to everybody, not taking a stand.

The statements leaked to the media, albeit unofficially, are contrary to the party’s general position on such matters, which are usually contingent on the decision of the party’s spiritual advisor, Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita. Ultimately, the Rav’s decision will determine the actions of the party’s ministers.

On Monday, Minister of Religious Services (Shas) Yaakov Margi announced he will be voting in favor of a release deal.

It appears at present the prime minister has a majority, quite alarming since the ministers have yet to hear the terms of the release deal, uncertain just which murderers are to gain their freedom in exchange for Gilad Shalit.

Minister of Science (HaBayit HaYehudi) Rabbi Dr. Daniel Hershkowitz has yet to announce his decision, waiting to hear the terms of the deal that will be presented to the cabinet. Vice Premier Moshe Ya’alon is indicating he will be in the minority, a voice of dissension, releasing statements opposing the release of hundreds of murderers to bring Shalit home. He will be joined most likely by Minister Dr. Binyamin Begin.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has announced he will bring any proposed deal to the Knesset for approval. One must remember that even if the Knesset opposes such a deal, the cabinet may indeed vote in favor.

As is usually the case ahead of such a painful and emotional deal, there is the side represented by the pain and anguish of the Shalit family, justifiably calling on the government to make any and all sacrifice to bring their son, and IDF soldier, home.

The opponents represent many bereaved families and supporters, who feel the government mustn’t act on emotion and the release of hundreds of terrorists. Such a move they explain not only compromises the nation’s deterrence abilities, but encourages future kidnappings towards the release of other terrorists, and places the nation in danger since statistically, it has been established that many released terrorists immediately return to their murderous ways.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)