Israel approves deal to release Egyptian prisoners

Israel’s security cabinet on Tuesday approved a deal struck with Egypt to swap 25 Egyptians in Israeli custody for a US-Israeli dual national accused by Cairo of espionage, in a step seen as easing strains between the strategic neighbours.The US-brokered deal was reached shortly after a successful Egyptian-brokered swap between Israel and Hamas Islamists that freed captive soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.A statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israels security cabinet approved the deal to swap Ilan Grapel, 27, for the 25 Egyptians, including three minors who have not been charged with security-related offences. The swap is expected to take place on October 27, according to the statement. Grapel was arrested in Egypt and accused of being a spy out to recruit agents and monitor events in the popular revolt that overthrew President Hosni Mubarak in February, an ally of both the United States and Israel.Before the exchange deal was announced, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman denied on Monday that Grapel had been involved in any espionage.Grapel emigrated to Israel in 2005 from New York and served in its military in a 2006 war with Hezbollah guerrillas in Lebanon.His mother said at the time of his arrest that her son, a law student in the United States, was working for Saint Andrews Refugee Services, a non-governmental organisation, in Cairo.