“There are no alternatives for Egypt as the Arab World's leader and an element of stability in the region,” said Amos Gilad, Director of Policy and Political-Military Affairs at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, during an interview with Israeli radio. Gilad said Egypt was a large contributor to a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel that secured the release of Gilad Shalit. He added: “Egypt was the guarantor for the implementation of this deal.” Security relations between Israel and Egypt are very good, although there are some problems that should be solved, according to Gilad. He pointed to weapons smuggling to the Gaza Strip via the Sinai Peninsula He said the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel is a national security asset for both countries. Gilad said the Shalit deal is evidence of good relations between Egypt and Israel. He said Turkey also expressed its willingness to release Shalit. He said they reached the solution of this deal after they were ensured that Shalit is alive.
