Home
Politics
An official statement said Netanyahu had informed the soldier's parents, Noam and Aviva Shalit, of the new appointment during a meeting at the premier's official residence.
After the meeting, Noam Shalit expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in efforts to free his son.
"The only new element is the nomination of a new negotiator," Israeli public radio quoted him as saying.
Militant group Hamas, which took control of the Gaza Strip a year after Shalit was seized in June 2006, has demanded hundreds of prisoners in exchange for his release, including scores of militants responsible for deadly attacks.
But talks have stalled, with Netanyahu warning that militants released under previous prisoner exchanges have gone on to launch deadly attacks on Israel.
Shalit, now 24, was seized in a dawn cross-border raid by three groups of Gaza militants include Hamas.
Netanyahu has come under increasing criticism for his government's failure to secure Shalit's release in talks, which have been mediated by Germany.
On Monday, a former head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency said Israel should be prepared to release Palestinians convicted of murder if that was necessary to secure Shalit's release.
The last sign of life received from Shalit's captors was in October 2009 when a video recording showed him looking gaunt, but apparently in good health.
------------------------------------------------------
After the meeting, Noam Shalit expressed his frustration at the lack of progress in efforts to free his son.
"The only new element is the nomination of a new negotiator," Israeli public radio quoted him as saying.
Militant group Hamas, which took control of the Gaza Strip a year after Shalit was seized in June 2006, has demanded hundreds of prisoners in exchange for his release, including scores of militants responsible for deadly attacks.
But talks have stalled, with Netanyahu warning that militants released under previous prisoner exchanges have gone on to launch deadly attacks on Israel.
Shalit, now 24, was seized in a dawn cross-border raid by three groups of Gaza militants include Hamas.
Netanyahu has come under increasing criticism for his government's failure to secure Shalit's release in talks, which have been mediated by Germany.
On Monday, a former head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency said Israel should be prepared to release Palestinians convicted of murder if that was necessary to secure Shalit's release.
The last sign of life received from Shalit's captors was in October 2009 when a video recording showed him looking gaunt, but apparently in good health.
------------------------------------------------------
