Noam Schalit says no leader can ignore public's support for release.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF, HERB KEINONSchali family 311(photo credit: Associated Press)
No leader will be able to ignore the public's overwhelming desire regarding Gilad Schalit's release, Noam Schalit said in an interview on Israel Radio Sunday morning.The captured soldier's father vowed in the interview that he and his family would continue in the struggle to release Gilad since they have no other alternative. Schalit added that he is not as optimistic as the prime minister in efforts to release Gilad since he is more experienced than the prime minister on the issue. "No negotiations are being held at this point and there is no light at the end of the tunnel," said Schalit.RELATED:Schalits visit PM's residenceAviva Schalit: 'Don't abandon my son'Former POW: ‘Even one day in captivity is a long time’The comments came as the public campaign to place pressure on the government to take the necessary steps to free Gilad moved Friday from an 11-day crosscountry march to a protest tent outside the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem.Noam and Aviva Schalit met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem Friday, in an hour-long meeting which resulted in the announcement that their efforts to release their son would continue.Netanyahu, according to a statement released from his office, told the Schalits he discussed their son’s plight in his meetings with US President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, former president Bill Clinton, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.