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.

Asked if Israel should consider negotiating, Halutz replied: “We, and by that I mean the political and military echelons, will consider all that there is to be considered, then reach conclusions and act on them.”

Halutz spoke outside the home of the Shalit family in northern Israel.