Yediot Aharonot believes that, "A clear message is hidden behind the remarks made by Maj.-Gen. Eisenberg: That if there is a war, it will be terrible and with numerous casualties, therefore everything possible must be done to prevent, including persistent striving toward compromise solutions and simultaneously – establishing an effective defensive network."
Ma’ariv maintains that, "The State of Israel is not the only responsible party in the development of the crisis with Turkey. Turkey is equally responsible, if not more so." The author says that, "The Turkish Prime Minister has Turkish national interests, and as to the question of what motivates him he must answer to his own people, not to us." Regarding a resolution of the crisis, the paper advises that, "The way is not through apologizing, nor by kneeling, and also not by tense public statements, but rather by professional and quiet diplomatic efforts, which will search out and find the right formula of diplomatic language that will allow both sides to climb down from their tall trees."
Yisrael Hayom asks, "How did Turkey and Israel go from first rate strategic partners to bitter rivals? One of the answers in concealed in Turkey’s recently adopted foreign policy, under the regime of the Justice and Development Party. The architect of this foreign policy, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has chartered a policy characterized by aggressively demanding that the US, Europe and the Middle East states, including Israel, recognize Turkey’s ability to play a central role in international diplomacy and the world economy. This policy also embodies an ideological element of strengthening Islamic civilization, including Turkey within it."
The Jerusalem Post comments: "Libya’s rebel fighters have still not clinched control over a few areas, but there is already talk of instituting democratic elections to choose a new leadership to replace Gaddafi’s dictatorial regime. However, judging from numerous examples in recent decades, the hasty implementation of “democratic” elections can be wrought with danger and can often lead to strife, bloodshed and even civil war. Libya is far from ready for democratic elections. The country lacks a stable civil society and is bereft of modern institutions, while its oil-based economy has fostered rampant corruption. Democracies must be built from the bottom up, starting with administrative institutions that can help ensure the rule of law and protect basic human rights. Citizens must be educated to participate in civil rule and appreciate the benefits of a true democracy: freedom, liberty and equality."
Haaretz writes: "For several years now Ner Etzion’s entire student body has been of Ethiopian origin. The unequivocal demand by parents and activists in the Ethiopian community to close Ner Etzion, using the impressive argument of seeking genuine integration, led Education Minister Gideon Sa’ar to rule that the school would be closed immediately. The result was confusion, uncertainty and anger on the part of many parents, who still do not know where their children will be enrolled. The Education Ministry and the city of Petah Tikva must solve the Ner Etzion crisis together, immediately. Its students, who have been sentenced to remain at home until some school deigns to admit them, will carry the memory of this rejection as a formative experience of their attempt to be accepted into Israeli society."
[Ariella Ringel Hoffman, Dan Halutz and Michael Nizri wrote today’s articles in Yediot Ahronot, Ma’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]