Israel approves prisoner swap

ISRAEL’S Cabinet yesterday narrowly approved a contested prisoner swap with Hezbollah, even though it does not include a Israel’s most famous missing serviceman, an air force navigator captured 17 years ago.

The ministers debated for eight hours before approving the swap by a vote of 12-11, Cabinet members said. In Lebanon, Hezbollah officials threatened to kidnap more Israelis if the deal collapses.

Sharon had staked his prestige on the deal, one of the toughest tests of his leadership in nearly three years as prime minister. He lobbied hard among ministers, brushing aside criticism that the swap would be seen as rewarding violence.