Seeking to pressure Hamas leaders, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sent a message to Cairo with his emissaries that if an agreement for a prisoner release is not released by Sunday night, a deal will have to be reached with the incoming administration, reminding Hamas leaders that Binyamin Netanyahu is unlikely to be as forthcoming as he regarding a willingness to release terrorists from Israeli prisons.

According to the media buzz in Israel on Sunday morning, a deal between Israel and Hamas that will result in Shalit’s release is a true possibility as the current administration prepares to clear the way for the incoming government.

Olmert on motzei Shabbos dispatched ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) Director Yuval Diskin and special envoy Ofir Dekel in the hope of closing a deal with senior Hamas leaders in Cairo, reminding them this may be a last opportunity to boast the release of hundreds of terrorists, a move Hamas badly wishes to actualize to boost its waning popularity among Gaza residents, who are waiting for Israel to open border crossings and bring the embargo to an end.

Outgoing PM Olmert has remained adamant following the Gaza War, insisting he will not permit talks pertaining to a long-term ceasefire or opening Gaza crossings until Shalit is released.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)