The deadline the terrorists gave Israel is up in less than 15 minutes. So far, Olmert is standing fast and refusing to negotiate.
Israel will not negotiate a prisoner exchange deal with the Hamas government, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement Monday. “The Israeli government will not give in to blackmail by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, led by murderous terror organizations. We will hold no negotiations over the release of prisoners,” the statement said, rejecting an ultimatum issued by three Palestinian factions.
“The Palestinian Authority bears full responsibility for Gilad Shalit’s wellbeing and for his safe and healthy return to Israel,” the
statement stressed.
I’ll be up for a while and keeping an eye on things. I don’t think the terrorists will kill Gilad Shalit just yet. He’s too valuable to them. But then, you can never tell what those warped subhumans will do.
Update: Nothing’s happening, and I’m quite tired. See you in the morning.
It’s worth mentioning that Hamas had promised to kidnap soldiers and civilians; and to use them as bargaining chips. So that Israel would return prisoners in a swap. When the Shin Bet said it had information that this tactic was going to be used, it didn’t have to look far to find out what was being planned.
HOWEVER, outcomes take a while to sink in. And, the IDF, with a show of force, is not killing civilians. Only the rabid anti-Semite Europeans come out with their typical blather.
While the RED CROSS remains quiet! Here, you’d expect to see some involvement, where they’d get to check on the well being of Shalit.
Yes, I think the palestinians miscalculated. Did so, too, with the constant firing of Kassams.
The “real test” ahead will come when we see how long Olmert can exert pressure. If at first, people thought he’d do this for only a few days; he now says “weeks and months.”
I also notice there was a raid on a palestinian charity in Ramallah. Where the computers and paperwork were taken away. So it will become obvious WHERE the money for terrorism comes in. I like the touch that the IDF left a sign on the “dairy” for them to remain closed for a year.
Yes, Olmert’s government is being given a test. I think he’s doing just what Arik Sharon would do. SHow the force. But use extra care not to kill people.
Also, the settler’s kid killers have been caught. They had been arrested by the PA. Where putting them in the PA jail was thought “safe.” And, the IDF threatened to blow the building down, if the killers weren’t turned over. It took a 3 hour fire fight. But it proves TOO that it pays not to have a death penalty in Israel. (Since if death were automatically handed out by judges, it would be harder to round up these criminals.)
Hamas may, or may not, lose popularity. But “effectiveness” … once the money route to terrorism is exposed … And, his office is a mess; puts on enough pressure that IF Shalit has been murdered … the palis’ only course, ahead, not to get caught, is to stall.