Why does Israel have to get involved with Grapel. His is an American citizen. He went to Egypt on his own to do his 'stuff' and got into trouble for it. Now Israel is being asked to get him out? Not fair at all - and absolutely no comparison to Gilat Shalit, who was a soldier on duty.

Cairo has admitted he is not a spy and Egypt is not a terrorist group. There is no reason for a prisoner swap, they just need to release him This will set a precedent that Egypt could "arrest" any Israeli citizen in Egypt and ask for a prisoner swap to return him/her to Israel. I don't know why Israel is even considering such a move.

why swap?? they admitted hes not a spy! this is blackmail! where is the world now?

nuts like Grapel should refrain from going to arab countries whether is it grant from universities or business trip or even simple fun-tour. Moreover he went there to support Arab Spring uprising, pro-arabs cause, silly isn't it? after Shalit deal, anyone can be a Second Shalit in arab lands! don't naively allow yourself to be bargain for anyone terrorist release.your "freedom" don't belong to you if you threaten Israel! he holds a dual passport, ask Obama to release criminals, Obama will say :"you really think i am stupid, my 2012 more important!"

who's been wrongly jailed in Egypt for 12 years?

the official admission of being not spy is part of the deal.

and also call him the biggest moron in the middle east.

What's next? Kadima? Will Tzipi Livni kidnap a soldier to free Olmert?

Absolutely NOT! This idiot went to Egypt on his own to support the uprising. He is clearly against Israel, so why should we be responsible? He moved to the US, let them take care of this garbage-we have enough of our own problems here!

We're getting off easy - 'only' 25 Egyptian prisoners. Grapel doesn't belong in prison. We cannot let him stay there.

citizens. Even those with dual nationality. Stop all business with egypt also. All Israelis that have factories in egypt should close them and either open them in Israel or look for another friendly country to work in.

Just curious - what, if anything, is the US doing to secure the release of its citizen Ilan Grapel?

Because he IS an Israeli spy. Just like Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer and Joshua Fattal. You should ask yourself why Israel keeps sending young impressionable Jews into dangerous places.