Gershon Baskin has been in touch with Hamas operatives since 2006, trying to build a channel between Hamas and the Israeli government. After the failure of the mediation attempts with the Olmert government, Baskin has been reinforced his efforts after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanjahu had taken office, especially after the leading Mossad agent David Meidan has been declared chief negotiator on behalf of Israel in April 2011. (see Haaretz online from October 14th 2011: The Israeli academic who played a critical role in the Shalit deal.)
In a letter to friends and colleagues Gershon Baskin is presenting the following insider report:
„Thank you everyone for the good wishes and congratulations on my part of securing the Schalit deal.
The real hero is David Meidan, the special representative of Netanyahu who was willing to take risks, break the rules and understood the passion and commitment that I brought to the table.
The other real hero is Dr. Ghazi Hamad from the Hamas who has been working with me for 5 years to secure the release of Gilead - a person who I trust and who trusts me and someone who is the new face of Hamas willing to work for peace with Israelis.
And of course my good friend the Egyptian mediator who I know for years and succeeded where all others had failed.
And lastly, I must say that nothing would have happened without Binyamin Netanyahu deciding that it was time to bring Gilead home, even though he was in principle opposed to the deal - he broke his own principles in favor of humanism and compassion.
Happy sukkot to all.“
KAS Israel congratulates Gershon Baskin. But first and foremost we feel closely connected with Gilad Shalit and his family and share their joy over his quick return home.
