Israel Agrees to Hezbollah Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Cabinet has agreed to a German-brokered prisoner exchange with Hezbollah. It is believed that under the terms of the deal, Israel would receive the bodies of two captured soldiers in return for the release of five Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of 10 more.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s Cabinet has agreed to a German-brokered prisoner exchange with Hezbollah. It is believed that under the terms of the deal, Israel would receive the bodies of two captured soldiers in return for the release of five Lebanese prisoners and the bodies of 10 more.
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The Lebanese prisoners to be freed reportedly include Samir Qantar, in jail for murder since 1979.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said earlier that the two soldiers were dead. Their capture triggered Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in mid-2006.
The cabinet approved the German-brokered exchange by 22 votes out of 25 present at the meeting, Israeli radio reported.
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The Israel prime minister has been accused of accepting gifts from wealthy allies, trading influence for favorable press coverage and more.
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