Congressman to Escort Captive Constituent Home From Mideast

Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-NY, has traveled to Israel to escort his former intern Ilan Grapel, 27, back to his home in New York City. Egyptian authorities accused Grapel of spying for Israel and arrested him in June.

After discussions between the United States, Israel, and Egypt, The Jerusalem Post reports that the Israel Prison Service plans to exchange Grapel for 22 Egyptian soldiers.

Israeli authorities have assured Ackerman that Grapel was not, in fact, a spy.

Grapel, who holds dual US-Israeli citizenship, is expected to be released Thursday. His arrival in the United States is yet to be determined.