Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed in a statement that a "difficult, but right" agreement has been signed with Hamas to release kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, who is slated to arrive home in Israel in a few days.
Netanyahu stated that a video showing Gilad Shalit alive and "functional" was given as proof of life before negotiations ensued. He referred to the tape as a "insurance policy."
Netanyahu said that upon receiving the video, a difficult and lengthy negotiation ensued with a German negotiator. He claimed that since his kidnapping, not one day has passed in which they did not attempt to bring Gilad home.
The negotiations were renewed this week, this time under Egyptian mediation. He stated, "The point this time was to hold to our principles and ensure the factors that would guarantee Israeli security."
Netanyahu said he had a "huge responsibility" to bring Gilad home, but also a deep responsibility to protecting the people of Israel. He stated multiple times that it was a difficult decision, and that he understands the deep pain of the people affected by the terrorists that will now be released. He said, "I understand your distress, because I am one of you."
Netanyahu also insinuated that had they not gone forth with the current deal, due to the "uncertain future" in the region, there may have never been another chance to return Gilad home.
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Video still from Hamas video released in 09
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The Prime Minister revealed that both sides they signed an initial agreement last Thursday, and today (Tuesday) it was finalized.
Netanyahu let the Shalit family know about Gilad's release at a meeting at his own home. He said, "I'm keeping my promise, I am returning your son to you."
He added that Gilad should be home in Israel in a number of days.
Mixed reactions are flooding in from Israelis, many of whom expect terror attacks to rise due to the release of 1,000 prisoners in exchange for Shalit, many of which are "heavy" prisoners, an Israeli term that refers to murderous terrorists, responsible for some of Israel's worst terror attacks.
