Israel’s lead negotiatior with Hamas over the prisoner swap deal, Ofer Dekel, returned to Israel and may have secured the basis for a deal for the release of abducted IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for 450 Hamas prisoners currently held in Israel. The sticking-point on the negotiations reamins whether to deport some of the prisoners or permit them to reside in the territories. Hamas, however, denied the report.
Former Israeli President Moshe Katsav, recently indicted on rape and sexual assault charges, held a press conference last night to defend his reputation and slam both the media and the Attorney General. As expected, the drawn-out event went from civil to emotionally charged and combative, with two journalists leaving the event in the middle, one at the hands of event staff.
Regardless of recent disputes between Israel adn Trukey, The Turkish government still intends on assisting to draft a peace agreement between Israel and Syria.
