While most senior officials remain opposed to the Egyptian initiative, efforts towards a truce with Hamas in Gaza, there is hope that if efforts become a reality, the truce will include a deal that will result in the release of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. There are unconfirmed reports that backdoor negotiations to obtain Shalit’s release are showing signs of progress.

Israeli officials have stated an official truce is not necessary, explaining that when Hamas halts attacks from Gaza, the IDF will not be compelled to respond.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak earlier in the week stated that this is not the time for a truce, as Hamas steps up rocket attacks into southern Israel, indiscriminately attacking civilian population centers.

Hamas officials in Gaza have warned Israel that if it does not accept the Egyptian plan, the response will be harsh and “painful”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)