Shalit's family plans 12-day march

JERUSALEM, June 26 (UPI) -- The family of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit plans a 12-day march to observe the fourth anniversary of his capture, his father said.

The march, scheduled to begin Sunday at the family's home, will end at the official residence of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Haaretz reported.

Noam Shalit, the soldier's father, asked the public to "support us with your feet." But he said he is not optimistic about convincing the government to make the concessions needed for his son's release.

Shalit, then a 19-year-old corporal, was captured June 25, 2006, by militants who crossed the border from Gaza into southern Israel. Israel and Hamas, which now has him in custody, have been negotiating through a mediator.

Israel has been unwilling to release some of the prisoners Hamas wants, including terrorist leaders.

"I am opposed to the release of Gilad Shalit at any price," said Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz. "However, I respect the right of Shalit's parents to do what they are doing. If it was my son I would do the same."