YNet News columnist Alex Fishman offers a fascinating explanation why the Palestinians are dragging their feet on a prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit (pictured):
In Hamas’ view, Gilad Shalit has turned into an “insurance policy” against an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. The group estimates that the invasion would have already taken place had Shalit not been held in a Gaza hideout….
Moreover, Shalit also serves as a personal insurance policy for the kidnappers themselves, headed by Ahmad Jabari, who heads Hamas’ military wing. Meanwhile, as long as they hold Shalit, they are the center of attention and see pilgrimages by VIPs from the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and the international community. They are starting to like it.
If Fishman’s assessment is correct, what does that say about Alan Johnston’s predicament?
