Basically, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has not released a new position, but his statements at a time when a Shalit deal appears to carry unforgiving consequences adds a measure of potency to the senior minister’s words.

Barak emphasized the government’s responsibility to bring Gilad Shalit home, but explained this cannot be accomplished at “any price”, signaling Israel may remain firm in is insistence on certain points in a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas.

Speaking to Rishon L’Tzion high school students, the minister explained that while efforts continue to close a deal, such a deal cannot be closed at any price.

In Israel’s response to Hamas, delivered via the German mediator, the Forum of 7 ministers are insisting that the heavy terrorists are deported to Hamas-controlled Gaza or another country, unwilling to permit them to return to their homes in PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas. Hamas is signalling it opposes this, insisting those released cannot be deported, but it appears the terrorist organization will ultimately agree to the deportation of a small number of terrorists, less than is being demanded by Israel. 

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)