Report: Jerusalem, Cairo to discuss Tarabin deal

Following successful negotiation of Grapel deal, Jerusalem, Cairo set to discuss possible release of Ouda Tarabin, held in Egypt on espionage charges since 2000

Roee Nahmias |Published: 10.27.11 , 08:11

Egyptian websites reported Wednesday that the impending prisoner swap between Israel and Egypt, which will see the release of 27-year-old Israeli-American Ilan Grapel from Egyptian custody in exchange for 25 Egyptian prisoners, may lead the way to yet another swap, this time involving Ouda Tarabin.

Tarabin, an Israeli Bedouin, was arrested by Egyptian authorities in 2000 after he illegally crossed the border from to El-Arish. He was charges with espionage and sentenced – in absentia – to 15 years in prison by an Egyptian military court.

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According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered that all efforts be geared towards achieving Tarabin's release.

Grapel was arrested in June, for allegedly being a Mossad spy. Prior to the deal, Egyptian authorities were planning to charge him with espionage, sedition and the attempted arson of a government building in Cairo.