(via Thenewage). Benjamin Netanyahu turned 62 on Friday, basking in the glow of Gilad Shalit's return home from five years in Palestinian captivity.
"Netanyahu... gave himself the most memorable birthday present he’s ever had the release and homecoming of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit," the conservative Jerusalem Post said this week.
"It doesn’t matter whether one agrees or disagrees with Netanyahu’s policy or general performance as prime minister,."
"On the (Shalit) issue, no one can take away his moment of glory or the imprint his decision has made on the country’s history."
Israel Hayom, published a poll this week saying that despite many people's reservations about the two-stage exchange deal, 75.7 percent of respondents gave it their approval and 61.5 percent thought Netanyahu's government acted correctly.
Efraim Inbar, professor of political studies at Israel's Bar-Ilan University, told AFP: "Netanyahu has been strong, his government is stable, The release of Shalit only strengthened his leadership and the stability of his coalition."