Egypt to free American-Israeli citizen

By Egyptian officials of spying for Israel.. Israel and his relatives in the United States denied Grapel was a spy, saying he worked for a Cairo legal aid project.. The Israeli government will convene a special Security Cabinet meeting today to approve the deal, the statement said.. The list of prisoners to be released will be published to allow Israelis to appeal.. "In the framework of Israel and Egyptian efforts and with the help of the United States, Egypt has agreed to release Ilan Grapel. Israel has agreed to release 25 Egyptian prisoners," the statement.. It added that there are no "security prisoners" --October 24, 2011

Israeli shorthand for militants -- on the list. It is assumed that the Egyptians to be freed are mostly smugglers and people seeking asylum or work.

Last week, Egypt was instrumental in mediating a deal that won freedom for an Israeli soldier, Sgt. Gilad Schalit, held for more than five years by the militant Hamas rulers of Gaza.

Grapel's father, Daniel Grapel, spoke briefly to Israel's Channel 10 TV from his home in New York Monday.

"I haven't been officially notified, but I do know that things are happening between the U.S., Egyptian and Israeli governments," he said.

Streaming Now

Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week. Credit: Randee Daddona, Gary Licker, Anthony Santino

Sarra Sounds Off, Season 3, Ep 4: Top football teams in action, fantasy update and plays of the week Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories

Streaming Now

Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories