After five and a half years in captivity, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released on Oct. 18, 2011, in a controversial prisoner exchange deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave the green light for the release of Palestinian prisoners previous governments had refused to let go, deviating from and breaching the security-political-ideological principles he has preached throughout his entire political career. The campaign waged by the Shalit family won over the majority of the Israeli public, ultimately prompting the political and defense establishments to accept most of Hamas’ terms.

The whole country watched with bated breath as Shalit walked on camera into the Rafah crossing escorted by his captors, including Ahmed Jabari, the commander of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.

What did the Israeli public know about Shalit’s captivity and the conditions under which he was held? Nothing. Even after his release, the defense establishment forbade him from disclosing any information about the conditions of his captivity.

During Shalit’s confinement, Hamas released one audiotape in June 2007 and one videotape in October 2009. Its objective was to apply pressure on the Israeli public as well as to meet Israel’s condition of proof of Shalit's life before agreeing to discuss any deal with the organization.