Israeli News: A Daily Analysis

A Daily Analysis

By Marc Schulman

October 16, 2008- Shalit Talks Going Nowhere, Coaliton Talks Make Progress

There were reports today claiming Israel had agreed to release the complete list off prisoners that Hamas has been demanding in order to release Gilad Shalit. The Israeli government has denied that report. Israeli observers believe that the report is completely false. As one observer stated, there has never been a government of Israel that is capable of agreeing to the list that Hamas has demanded. That list includes the terrorist responsible for the Hotel Park attack and the Sabaro terrorist attack. Furthermore, its seems that Hamas is not interested in releasing Shalit. They see Shalit as their insurance policy, assuring that Israel will not assassinate their leadership.

Coalition negotiations continue between Kadima and Shas. It would seem they made serious progress in their negotiations. Early this morning Minister of Foreign Relations Livni met with Finance Minister Baron to try to convince him to allow her to offer more money to Shas. The general sense of observers is that an agreement will be reached.