Israel Matzav

Goldwasser and Regev to be released? (With video)

As many of you may have heard, we are in the middle of the largest civil defense exercise this country has ever held. I haven't really mentioned it because I have had other things that seemed like they would be of greater interest.

The exercise has gotten Hezbullah and Syria all worked up. Because of that, the Israeli government has sent 'calming messages' to the governments of Syria and Lebanon, assuring them that its intent is not hostile. Now the Lebanese newspaper as-Safir is reporting that as a result of those messages, there may be a breakthrough in the Goldwasser and Regev kidnappings.

Negotiations between Israel and Hizbullah to free kidnapped IDF reservists Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser have recorded "substantial progress," according to a report by the Lebanese daily As-Safir.

The paper speculated that in light of the emergency exercise, "Turning Point 2," a 5-day national-wide drill currently taking place, Israel wishes to convey "positive signals" and a message of calm.

According to Palestinian sources, the drill has spurred substantial progress in the negotiations between Israel and Hizbullah, facilitated by German mediators representing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

This move on Israel's side stands in opposition to the "foot-dragging" that has characterized its conduct in the negotiations so far, the sources said.

As-Safir also predicted that the advancements would give momentum to talks with Hamas to free captured IDF soldier Cpl. Gilad Schalit.

It was stated, however, that the key to successful completion of the deal ultimately lies in Hizbullah chief Hassan Nasrallah's hands. "The possibility for a breakthrough depends on the negotiations that Nasrallah is personally holding from the Lebanese side, as he has been handling this issue for many years," they said.

Those of you who are regular readers already know that I do not believe that Goldwasser and Regev are alive. I hope that we are not giving up a lot of terrorists in exchange for them, especially if I am right that they are dead. Here's a videotape with a more in-depth report:

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:58 PM