Egyptian authorities are considering the release of suspected Israeli spy Ilan Garpel who is currently detained in Egypt, reported Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahranouh. The U.S. offered to increase the size of its economic aid package to Egypt in exchange for the release of the detained Garpel, who holds both American and Israeli citizenship, the paper reported. Garpel will return to Washington with American Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta after he finishes his visit to Egypt. Egyptian authorities allowed the suspected spy to meet with his parents for the first time since he was detained. Egyptian authorities are exercising some flexibility for the first time in this case, reported Yedioth Ahranouh. Garpel's actions do not constitute espionage, the paper reported, arguing that Egypt should release him in exchange for a favorable economic package.
