Olmert: Gaza operation to expedite efforts to free kidnapped Israeli soldier

[bemildred]

JERUSALEM, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Thursday that the army operation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip has generated renewed momentum in efforts to strike a deal for the release of captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

"The operation (by the Israel Defense Forces IDF) created a number of levers that can aid in the expedition of Shalit's return," local daily Ha'aretz quoted Olmert as saying.

"This is what I said and I will not add to this," because it will not benefit the return of Shalit, who was abducted by Gaza militants in a cross-border raid in June 2006, said the outgoing premier.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Ministry's political-security branch head Amos Gilad, who arrived in Cairo on Thursday, is expected to raise the Shalit issue during his talks with the Egyptians on the security situation following the Gaza operation, said Ha'aretz.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-01/22/content_10704166.htm

[cali]

1. In a word: Codswallop.

[bemildred]

2. Hey, you can't have too many reasons why bombing is good ...

They do seem to plan to bring the issue up, and it would be nice if the young man came home. Being a "bargaining chip" is not a good life for anyone.

But you are right, his argument is codswallop.

[azurnoir]

3. So killing 1300 people gives Israel an "edge" in negotiations? n/t