BREAKING NEWS

Barak to Noam Schalit: Israel will "negotiate until Gilad returns"

Barak to Noam Schalit I

Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke Wednesday evening with Noam Schalit, father of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit, assuring him that the government would make every effort to bring about his son's release. Barak promised Schalit that negotiations would not cease "until Gilad is returned home." The two spoke following a deal struck between Israel and Hamas, according to which a one-minute videotape proving Gilad was alive would be released to his family Friday. In return, the Israeli government would be required to release 20 female Palestinian prisoners.