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Prisoners’ swap on anvil

DUBAI: Israel is finalising prisoner-exchange deals with the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanese group Hizbollah.

Israel is seeking the release of Corporal Gilad Schalit, who was captured by militants in June 2006. Egypt has been mediating the release of Cpl. Schalit by holding separate talks with Israel and Hamas. The soldier’s release is part of a larger plan that includes a ceasefire in Gaza. It also involves the opening of border crossings between Israel and Gaza, culminating in the opening of the Rafah border terminal between Gaza and Egypt.

Hamas is demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners lodged in Israeli jails. In the case of the Lebanon, Israel wants the return of two soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. The capture of the two by Hizbollah triggered the war between Israel and Hizbollah in July 2006. Israeli media reports, quoting military officials said the two might not be alive.

Hizbollah is seeking the release of five individuals, including Samir Kuntar, as part of the deal. Israel’s Cabinet is expected to discuss the understanding with Hizbollah on Sunday. An Israeli official, Ofer Dekel, is involved in both the prisoner exchange negotiations. He would brief the Cabinet on Sunday with details about the talks with Hizbollah, which is being facilitated by German mediator Gerhard Konrad.

The former Israeli military chief, Dan Halutz, who steered the 2006 war against Hizbollah, has been supporting the swap between the Israelis and the Lebanese group. “I believe unequivocally that we must carry out the deal, including the release of Samir Kuntar,” he said in an interview to Yedioth Ahronoth. He pointed out that Israel would not benefit any further by prolonging Mr. Kuntar’s 30-year detention. However, Mr. Kuntar’s release would open the door for the return of two Israeli soldiers.

Regarding the prospects of Cpl. Schlait’s release, the daily, Haaretz, has said Israel is prepared to return prisoners, including those who are serving sentences for their role in suicide bombings.

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