Israel Radio reported on Monday morning, 19 Tishrei, that it appears Ilan Grapel, who has been in Egyptian custody as a suspected spy for Israel, will be released within the coming 48 hours. The report adds the information comes from ‘credible sources’ but unofficial ones. Egypt is also not releasing any official statements.

YWN-Israel reported earlier that Israel will be releasing 81 Egyptian nationals in exchange for Grapel, who holds Israeli and American citizenship, the Egyptian media reports.

Israeli sources added today that the release is imminent, apparently on the heels of the deal for the release of Gilad Shalit by Hamas in exchange for the release by Israel of 1,027 terrorists.

The Israel Radio report added that an apology by Defense Minister Ehud Barak to the Egyptians over the deaths of a number of Egyptian security forces following the multipronged terror attack in southern Israel opened the door for the deal with the Egyptian and improved relations with the new administration in Cairo.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)