According to Walla, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi caused the delay in the release of 86 terrorist prisoners on Monday.  Ashkenazi reportedly sent a letter to President Shimon Peres, whose signature was required on the release forms, saying that the release was unethical and would violate the nation’s values.

Ashkenazi told Peres that the 29 terrorists who were to be released to Gaza should not be released until IDF soldier Gilad Shalit is released by the Gaza-based terrorists who kidnapped him more than one year ago. 

Peres delayed signing the necessary forms and asked that each individual release be reviewed by government and security officials, a process that lasted for several hours.  Peres eventually gave in to pressure from various sources and decided to release the prisoners on Tuesday.  Peres did not respond to journalists’ questions on Monday night.