‘A Lot of Talk’

But the Palestinians would have to do more than just release Gilad to get funding resumed. Hamas would also have to recognize Israel and renounce violence.
Yes, but this is the cork that can make a change.

Still, Israeli officials have said they won't work with the new unity government.
Israel will have to—in some way—deal with this administration. In practice, Israel will have to deal with them.

How do you think Olmert has handled Gilad's case so far?
He would like very much to resolve this crisis. But the rate is very slow. Very slow and very frustrating.

When's the last time you pressed your case with Olmert?
A week ago. Nine days ago in Jerusalem. We asked for this meeting because we didn't see any progress being made. This is almost nine months now. There's been a lot of talk and a lot of declarations, but no results whatsoever. I told him, "We expect results. We've had enough of talking and declarations."

How did he respond?
Basically, he said he knows it's been a long time. He has his interests and we have our interests, and our interests are not identical. They overlap, but they're not identical.

How so?
He has to consider the criticism that will emerge – from the right, criticism from the families of terror victims [in the event of a prisoner exchange].