Haaretz writes: "Prime Minister Netanyahu is proud of his diplomatic achievement over the weekend: He managed to influence the concluding statement of the G8 summit in France. Netanyahu lobbied Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and convinced him to oppose a reference to the formula proposed by U.S. President Barack Obama in which the border between Israel and a Palestinian state would be based on the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed corrections. But Netanyahu’s lobbying only brought Israel the illusion of success. Obama didn’t change his position and neither did the leaders of the European Union. Even after supposedly yielding to Netanyahu’s demand, they still believe that Israel should retreat from the West Bank, evacuate the settlements and allow the Palestinians to set up an independent state, with its capital in East Jerusalem. Instead of engaging in verbal gymnastics and fiery speeches, Netanyahu should work to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians and partition the land, as he promised once again in Congress last week."
Ma’ariv discusses the possible effects of US President Barack Obama’s 19 May 2011 speech on US Jewish politics. The author speculates that, "It seems that this time, a slightly larger group of Americans felt uncomfortable with Obama’s moves. Even if the number of votes that might cross to the rival [Republican] party will not be large, the amount of money that will cross over is likely to be influential." While the paper does not believe that the US President’s reelection campaign will be hurt, it suggests that those of Democrats in Congress might feel the effects.
Yediot Aharonot refers to Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer’s putative candidacy to succeed Dominique Strauss-Kahn at the helm of the International Monetary Fund. The author asserts that, "It is impossible to consider a better candidate to hold the reins at the IMF," and adds, "I have no doubts whatsoever that were it not for his Israeli citizenship, Prof. Stanley Fischer would soon receive an urgent request to serve as IMF Managing Director." The paper speculates that while his detractors might point to his age (67), the true reasons for ruling him out would be his, "Israeli passport and Zionist identity."
Yisrael Hayom suggests that events such as Egypt’s turn inward and the impending withdrawal of US troops from Iraq have prompted Saudi Arabia to shift to a somewhat more active foreign policy. The author notes its dispatch of troops to Bahrain, attempts to broker a deal in Yemen and desire "to foster a more united front in the Sunni camp by bringing in Jordan and Morocco to the Gulf bloc under its leadership."
The Jerusalem Post writes: "Back in the mid-1980s, Israel was a trailblazer in laying down restrictions on smoking in public places. Unfortunately, after getting off to a good start, our lawmakers dragged their feet in the ensuing years. Belatedly, our legislators are beginning to catch up." However, "the strictest of restrictions, or even a total ban, will never completely eradicate smoking as long as it is considered ‘cool’ or respectable. Smoking will stop only when this irresponsible act of self-destruction and blatant disregard for the health of others brings shame upon those who engage in it."