Israel Matzav

Shalit being moved to Egypt?

Voice of Palestine radio is reporting that kidnapped IDF corporal Gilad Shalit will be moved to Egypt in the next few days. Israel Radio and Army Radio both picked up the reports.

The report, which was picked up by Israel Radio and Army Radio, cited Egyptian sources who said that troops on the Rafah border crossing with Gaza have been reinforced and instructed to increase their alertness over the coming days.

"Passage of Hamas officials in and out of Egypt is commonplace, but this if the first time that there is such a security presence in the area," the sources told the radio. "This indicates that something out of the ordinary is taking place."

...

Fox News reported Friday that a deal would likely be concluded next week. Fox quoted sources close to officials involved in the negotiations.

According to the report, a disagreement over deportation of Palestinian prisoners from east Jerusalem had become a major sticking point.

Overall, it is expected that some 1,000 prisoners would be released in two stages in exchange for Schalit. Most reports say that in the first stage, Schalit would be transfered to Egypt and at the same time, 450 prisoners, including those responsible for killing Israelis, would be released.

In the second stage that would bring Schalit back to Israel, another 550 prisoners held on more minor infractions would be freed.

...

"What we are seeing now is the end game," an unnamed source was quoted as saying.

The London-based Al-Hayat paper reported that Israel and Hamas were still at odds over the release of 50 prisoners on the list.

Israel is also continuing to stand firm on its policy of not releasing prisoners who are either Israeli Arabs or Arab residents of east Jerusalem, according to the paper.

Hamas said in the Al-Hayat report that negotiations were ongoing, and that the German negotiator was continuing his efforts to iron out an agreement for Schalit's release.

Remember the 'good old days' when the terrorists who were released had to sign a pledge that they wouldn't return to terror activities? I don't think they even bother with that one anymore.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:00 AM