There was much excitement on Tuesday night in the protest tent set up by the Shalit family outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Upon hearing the news that the cabinet had approved the deal that would see Gilad Shalit released, hundreds of people arrived at the tent to congratulate his parents, Noam and Aviva.
“The joy is indescribable, but until we see Gilad we’re still restrained and waiting and not letting the emotions erupt,” Aviva Shalit told reporters.
Noam Shalit also spoke to the cameras, reminding everyone that the deal and its price – terrorist prisoners being released – were not determined by his family.
“I want to remind everyone that we didn’t make the deal and we’re not the ones who set the price,” Shalit said. "Two governments -- I don’t want to count how many heads of ISA, Mossad, Chiefs of Staff etc. dealt with this. It’s a deal that the government of Israel determined and not us. Unfortunately, the price isn’t easy, but we’re not the ones responsible for the price.”
Responding to a report, Shalit said he had no idea whether the deal to release his son could have been reached earlier.
“I’m not an analyst,” he said. “I’m simply Gilad’s father who’s waiting for him to come home. I’m not a military analyst and not a terror expert.”
Later, Defense Minister Ehud Barak also arrived on the scene, where he suggested to all those present that they should keep their cool until Gilad Shalit is home in Israel, safe and sound.
“I want to hope that in the next few days we won’t make any mistakes and we’ll be able to congratulate when Gilad is at home in the hands of Aviva and Noam,” Barak said.
“I want to take this opportunity to say, We’re not far from the Prime Minister’s home. I want to thank the entire negotiating team and express my great appreciation to the Prime Minister for showing leadership, courage, endurance, and finally, responsibility in leading this move that brought about the cabinet’s decision and the signing of the deal,” he added. “Gilad is not here yet, and I suggest that everyone stay calm and restrained. Don’t get excited until we see him here at home in the hands of his parents.”
