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In Israel, Sentiment Mixed on Negotiations for Gilad Shalit Release
by Ilene R. Prusher
 Prisoner swaps have always been controversial in Israel, and the public's ideals for dealing with issue have some contradictory
elements.- One
the one hand, the military's ethos says that no soldier should be left
behind, and even soldiers' remains have been brought home in exchange
for the release of several hundred Palestinian and Lebanese nationals
held in Israeli jails.
- On the other, many politicians have called for
Israel not to release prisoners "with blood on their hands."
- Indeed, Israelis seem unsure of whom to support first: the parents who have lost children in waves of violence that gripped
this land at the beginning of the decade, or the parents who would like to see their son home before the decade is up. (Christian Science Monitor)
Israeli Science Minister Urges Cadets to Support Shalit Deal
Roni Sofer
 Minister Daniel Hershkowitz, a leader of one of Israel's religious parties, urged military academies' cadets to reexamine their concerns regarding the price Israel is willing to pay in order to secure the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.- "Three of the greatest rabbis – Rabbi Shaul Yisreali, Rabbi Haim David Halevy and Rabbi Shlomo Goren – all of whom have passed away in the last few years, have previously expressed their support of similar prisoner exchange deals, despite clear reservations," said Hershkowitz.
- "The common denominator (between deals) was the covenant between the State of Israel and its soldiers, which includes the State's responsibly to bring its sons home and its pledge to spare no effort to that aim."
- The science minister agreed that the cadets' concerns were valid, saying that the government "must take into account the erosion in Israel's resilience in the face of terror groups, as well as backing down on the principle of never negotiating with terrorists and the fear of what these heinous murderers will do once they are released."
- The government, he concluded, must consider all aspects of concerning the deal, whether in favor or against it, before making its final decision. (Ynet News)
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Military Cadets: Shalit Deal – Not at any Price
by Kobi Nahshoni
 Cadets at several Israel military academies sent Prime Minister Netanyahu Defense Minister Barak letters expressing their concern over a mass release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit's safe return. - "Any decision regarding a prisoner exchange deal," said one letter, "must be based on something besides the desire to see him home again. We believe that you cannot support a policy calling on Israel to pay 'any price' in exchange for captives, out of long term considerations for the Israeli society's security. As painful as it may be, we believe the State cannot give in to terrorists and bow down to their will as a result of emotional blackmail."
- Daniel Cohen, one of the cadets who signed the letter, stressed that the letter does not mean the cadets oppose the deal: "We are not trying to work against it. We feel for the Shalits and we pray every day that (Gilad) comes back safe and sound. Still, this outline is just too much."
- Another letter stated: "As Israeli citizens who will don uniforms within a year, we feel that Israel is committed to see Gilad Shalit and any other missing or captive (soldier) returned – but not at any price. We fear that the current deal will simply invite more abductions and acts of terror against civilians," said the second letter.
- Another cadet letter echoed the sentiment, saying that their faith in Israel's government and military "does not depend on the release of captive soldiers at any price, nor will it deter us from the immense and important duty of serving in the IDF."
- The cadets wrote that they were "shocked to learn of Israel's intention to release arch-terrorists and murderers, who will no doubt endanger society in the future."
- "We trust decision makers will consider the bigger picture of what is best for Israel's security, and that they will make the right, albeit possibly painful, decision." (Ynet News)
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