Israeli FM: Atlanta Student Not Israeli Spy

By Dave Bender

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Tuesday brushed off Egyptian claims that an American-Israeli dual national arrested over the weekend on charges of espionage against Egypt was a spy, or connected to any Israeli intelligence service.

"Grapel has no connection to intelligence apparatus, not in Israel, the U.S., or Mars," Lieberman said in an interview with Army Radio's morning news program, “It's All Talk.”

Speaking with host Razi Barkai, the Foreign Minister said that Ilan Grapel, 27, “had no connection whatsoever with any intelligence service; this is a student who may be a bit odd or irresponsible.”

New York-born Grapel holds Israeli citizenship, and – according to Cairo officials – was visiting Egypt in February during the demonstrations to overthrow the Mubarak government. Grapel's family, however, hotly disputed the contention, saying that he only arrived at the beginning of May.

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Walk Like an Egyptian

"Note to Egyptians from present-day Israelites: Don't damage the pyramids, we won't rebuild them for you this time - there are new subcontractors."

Israel and Palestinians Grapple Over Restarting Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu ponders his government's initiatives during its first year in office, at a press conference in Jerusalem , April 7, 2010. (Photo: Dave Bender - All Rights Reserved).

by Dave Bender

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak are set in Cairo on Monday, Israelis and Palestinians are grappling over what restarting talks actually means.

"We're talking about a complex decision," Netanyahu said on Saturday night of the Arab League foreign ministers' call that day in the Egyptian capital suggesting the Palestinians renew negotiations.

However, Netanyahu cautioned, "Israel still awaits the official Palestinian announcement of their willingness to begin talks.”

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