There could be an exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hizbullah as early as Thursday, according to Palestinian sources.
The Lebanese-based terror organization is trying to gain the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, in addition to its own members.
In return Israel is demanding the handover of businessman Elhanan Tennenbaum and of what are believed to be the remains of three Israeli soldiers. Israel also wants to receive information on airman Ron Arad who was seized by Hizbullah 17 years ago. It is thought he may now be in Iran.
Hizbullah leader Hasan Na’srallah says a deal is imminent. He says Palestinians will be freed alongside Lebanese.
A report in Tuesday’s edition of the Israeli Haaretz newspaper lists some of the Palestinians likely to be released. They include top political leaders of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Yassir Arafat’s Al-Aq’sa Martyrs Brigades.