Israel's prisoner crisis deepens

The political crisis in Israel surrounding the negotiations for the release of their prisoner-of-war are deepening.

Ever since the parents of Shalit set up camp outside Olmert's office there has been something of a media feeding frenzy in Israel. Now some commentators are wondering whether all this has played into Hamas's hands as the moral pressure on Olmert mounts amid headlines proclaiming 'last ditch' efforts and ultimatums. Indeed Israel now keeps undoing its own ultimatums as Hamas refuse to budge on its demand for the release of 450 prisoners.

It seems that the two echelons, as they say in Israel - the political and military - are split, with ministers willing to 'pay a high price' for the release of their one prisoner while Shin Bet and others in the military/security complex bauk at the prospect of releasing fighters who will return to the resistance struggle.

There will be a special Israeli cabinet meeting today at which Olmert is expected to be forced to announce that no deal has been reached.

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