POST OF THE DAY
Oct 17, 2011 at 3:48 pmCross-posted from Middle East Clarity Reports
Here is a compilation of articles from the Israeli press related to the planned return tomorrow of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who was kidnapped over 5 years ago.
Jerusalem Post
1. Jpost.com staff and Joanna Paraszczuk: Israel Supreme Court President: Freeing convicts morally, legally difficult
"The High Court of Justice began discussing petitions filed by the families of terror victims against the release of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Gilad Schalit on Monday. Presiding over the discussion, Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch said the deal meant 'the cancellation of legal decisions which established that these people should be behind bars.'"
2. Oren Kessler: Grapel may be freed same day as Schalit
"Ilan Grapel could be released as early as Tuesday, according to Egyptian security sources privy to negotiations to free the 27-year-old law student Cairo suspects of spying for Israel. According to Israeli media reports, Grapel may be released at the Taba border crossing separating Egypt and Israel near Eilat. The alleged spy will reportedly be released in exchange for all 81 Egyptians currently held in Israeli prisons."
3. Yaakov Katz and Herb Keinon: IDF: Ketziot Prison, Egypt crossings closed military zones
"The IDF on Monday declared the Ketziot Prison and all crossings with Egypt closed military zones ahead of Tuesday's prisoner exchange with Hamas in which 477 Palestinian prisoners will be released as part of the deal to bring kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit back to Israel."
Ha'aretz
1. Avi Issacharoff: Syria, Qatar, Turkey taking prisoners deported in Schalit deal
"Hamas' deputy leader Moussa Abu Marzouk said on Monday that three countries have agreed to absorb the Palestinian prisoners who to be deported after they are released as of the prisoner exchange for abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Schalit, according to a report in the London-based Arab daily Al-Hayat."
2. Danna Harman and Gil Izikovich: Foreign media flock to Israel ahead of Schalit deal
"According to Israel's Government Press Office, the 2,000 foreign journalists that are stationed in Israel are to be joined by at least 250 others who are coming to cover the prisoner exchange to free the captive Israeli soldier. A number of major broadcast outlets, including Arab stations Al Arabiya and Al Jazeera, said they intended to cover the event live. These broadcasters, as well as newspapers across Europe - from Spain's El Pais, to Italy's Corriere Della Sera and the German Der Speigel newsmagazine - have been closely following the story in recent days, with their Israel-based reporters providing regular updates, including news of the list of Arab prisoners to be released, the mixed feelings in Israel and the impact the deal could have on the region."
3. Avi Issacharoff and Amos Harel: Future will reveal true price of Schalit deal
YnetNews
1. Attila Somfilva: Netanyahu sends letter to bereaved families
"A day before the implementation of the prisoner exchange deal securing kidnapped soldier Gilad Schalit's release, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a letter to bereaved parents whose loved ones' murderers are about to be freed from Israeli prisons."
2. Yedioth Ahronoth: 79% in favor of Schalit deal
"Yedioth Ahronoth-Dahaf Institute survey shows Israelis support prisoner swap despite heavy price, are happy and excited ahead of its implementation but fear its consequences. Women more supportive of deal than men."
NOTE:
Americans Stand with Israel is following the suggestion made by an Israeli journalist: we will NOT be reporting on, or showing videos of any celebrations of the Palestinians in Gaza ... I hope all who blog have a total BLACK OUT on anything these terrorists do or say - no audience! The only flags flying here shall be American and Israeli flags. This, we do, to respect all the Israeli families who have suffered or lost loved ones at the hands and bombs of Palestinian Arab Muslims.
