Israel military chief does not rule out negotiation

Signalling a reverse in the government’s position today, Israel’s military chief of staff did not rule out negotiations to secure the release of a soldier held by Palestinian militants.

Lt Gen Dan Halutz spoke after the three radical factions who seized Cpl. Gilad Shalit eight days ago implied they would kill him if Israel doesn’t start releasing the Palestinian prisoners it holds by 4am (Irish time) tomorrow.