If true, this makes Iran-contra look like a bake sale in comparison. From Ynet:
The Palestinian Maan news agency reported Thursday that the United States has agreed to sell Egypt several F-16 fighter jets in order to facilitate the release of Israeli-American Ilan Grapel. Israel had opposed similar sales in the past.
Grapel, who was arrested in June on espionage charges, is slated to be released later on Thursday. Israel will release 25 Egyptian prisoners in return.
Maan quoted General Sameh Sayf al-Yazal as saying that Washington was instrumental in negotiation the 27-year-old’s release, and helped Egypt “get the best possible deal for Grapel’s release.”
Grapel, who at some point faced charges of espionage, sedition and attempted arson, will be debriefed by defense officials once he arrives in Israel, after which he is expected to fly back to the United States.
The full story is here.