Deadlock over captured Israeli soldier

Talks today between Israeli officials and a top Egyptian mediator failed to bring the release of an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas-linked militants last June any closer, an Israeli official said.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert told The Associated Press that he was “very satisfied” with the talks. However, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the issue of the captured soldier was no closer to solution. The issue is holding up any progress on other matters.