The Israeli government is likely to release Marwan Barghouti in a prisoner swap for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit an Israeli source confirms to Fox News.  German and Egyptian mediators have told both sides they want a deal wrapped up by Christmas.

 While Israel has not formally given their response to German negotiators Hamas has been made aware of the Jewish state’s current position.

 ”It’s difficult to see a deal go through without the release of Marwan Barghouti,” a source familiar with the negotiations who asked not to be identified tells Fox.

 Differences still remain over how many Palestinian prisoners will be deported as well as a few big name prisoners Hamas still wants released.

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