Rivlin may call Succot Knesset session for Schalit

Coalition leader Elkin: Reject surrender to Hamas; do not allow terrorists back into Judaea and Samaria.

By LAHAV HARKOV
Rivlin Schalit Exhibit 311 (photo credit: Gabi Farkash)
Rivlin Schalit Exhibit 311
(photo credit: Gabi Farkash)
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said on Tuesday night that in order to authorize the deal to release captive soldier Gilad Schalit, he would call a meeting of the Knesset immediately after the first day of Succot, if necessary.
"The decision is difficult and complex, but on this topic, if need be, the Knesset will gather without delay, even during the holiday," stated Rivlin, who is currently at the European Parliament in Brussels. "Freeing Gilad Schalit is a national concern of the first degree, which is important to everyone in Israel."
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"The deep worry over Gilad's fate is found in all of us, and I hope and wish to see Gilad come home as soon as possible," the Knesset speaker added.
On Monday, Rivlin dedicated an exhibit in the halls of the European Parliament comprised of illustrations based on a story written by Schalit, meant to raise awareness of the soldier's captivity.
Knesset Land of Israel Caucus leader and coalition chairman Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) spoke out against the deal, in which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu agreed to release nearly 1,000 Hamas prisoners in exchange for Schalit.
"The Land of Israel caucus calls on government ministers to reject the agreement to surrender to Hamas," Elkin said following reports of the deal. "Back away from the red lines that were crossed by the government, and do not allow terrorists to be released into Judea and Samaria."
Elkin asked ministers to "see before you the many sure-to-be future victims of capitulating to terror and the wholesale release of murderous terrorists."
"This is your test, government ministers, and I expect you to show strength of character and reject a deal, which the prime minister himself has explained in the past is dangerous for Israel," the Likud MK concluded.
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