According to unconfirmed Arab media reports, Israeli national Ilan Grapel will be released in a prisoner exchange deal with Israel in the coming days. Grapel, who is accused of spying for Israel, has been imprisoned by the Egyptians since June.

According to the most recent report, Grapel will be released along with Israeli Bedouin Uda Tarabin, who was apprehended crossing into Egypt 12 years ago and charged with security crimes against Egypt. Israel in exchange will release 80 Egyptian nationals imprisoned in Israel. Despite the reports, there is no official confirmation from either Israel or Egypt.

According to the Egyptian al-Aram newspaper, American and Israeli officials visited with Grapel during Sukkos, with the Egyptians permitting them to tell him of his imminent release.

At the home of his parents in NYC however there is feeling of caution, and family members are not too quick to celebrate. His mother Irene explains that to date, she has not received any official word of such a deal. His dad, Daniel, spoke with CBS, where he described the family’s difficult situation, watching Ilan in this difficult situation without being able to assist him in any way.

Regarding the Egyptian allegations of espionage against their son, the parents dismiss the allegations as a “fabrication” that simply has no basis in reality.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)