Egyptian newspaper claims Israel proposes trading three Egyptians for Grapel

Sunday, June 19, 2011
ISRAEL MATZAV/CARL IN JERUSALEM

Egypt's al-Masry al-Youm is reporting that Israel has offered toexchange three Egyptians for alleged American-Israeli spy Ilan Grapel (Hat Tip:Blake Hounshell via Twitter).

Egyptian news reports on Sunday said that Israeli authorities requested Egypt to extradite Ilan Grapel, an Israeli citizen who was recently arrested by Egyptian authorities claiming he spied for Mossad.

The Egyptian state-run newspaper Al-Akhbar said it was informed that the alleged spy would be returned for three Egyptians arrested in Israel.

The newspaper added that the offer is currently being considered and there will be a response in few days.

I don't buy this. I can't believe this guy is a spy and if that's the case, why should Israel offer to make an exchange for him (unless the US 'asked' us to make an offer).

Hmmm.