Gilad Shalit

I may have to eat my words about election points for Kadima not being the reason for Operation Cast Lead. I see something developing here that makes me want to be really sick.

Gilad Shalit has been held captive for 945 days and suddenly our government has taken an interest in him. Olmert, Livni, and even Barak are talking about him, about his release, how secret "I can't tell you about them now" negotiations are in the works for his release, about how the war in Gaza has contributed to that end. Livni, who could have cared less during 900 of the days, and in fact who, in late December, said "some soldiers never come home" referring to Gilad, has done a rapid about face and is now saying the Gaza crisis will not end until Shalit is returned home. The media is carefully "leaking" bits and pieces of information... today, Amos Gilad, head of Diplomatic Security for Israeli Defense Ministry said we have received "signs of life" for Shalit, and Operation Cast Lead opened new possibilities.

Photo www.onejerusalem.com

If a strong arm against Hamas is what was needed to position Shalit's release - which is what we are being told, why in G-d's Name, was it not done months and months and months ago? Not only would the residents of the south have been spared years of trauma, but one of our sons, who has paid a price very few can imagine, would have been home and safe and among us.

Is it possible that Gilad Shalit become a useful tool as elections draw near? Certainly if there is one thing that would secure a political party's enormous popularity - even more than crushing Hamas - it is the return of a living Gilad Shalit. The nation would be ecstatic...as we should be. Gilad is in all our hearts and we long for his return.

We wondered what deal was given Hamas? Of all the parties running, the one most favorable for Hamas would be Kadima, who, once in power again would let the south wither under rocket attacks just as before, and would be willing to turn over large portions of our land to a Hamas/Fatah entity, now being discussed.

Politically speaking, if this is the case, the strategy is brilliant. Not a soul in Israel would not want the success of Shalit's return.. everyone continues to pray for his safe return.

Will we see a "price to be paid", a sudden breakthrough, nice trade, just in time?

Of course, my heart still has to hope so, but my stomach will lurch at the timing. And trust me, it will make me run as far as possible in the other direction to cast my vote.