Yediot Aharonot discusses the ethnic divisions within Iran, and reminds its readers that ethnic Persians are less than 50% of the population and that Iran has substantial Azeri, Kurdish and other minorities with irredentist sentiments. The author suggests that working in the current regime\’s favor is the fear that if it fell, "the result would be utter chaos and perhaps civil war, exactly as occurred in Lebanon from 1975-1989 and as is now happening in Syria," and adds that "Iranian citizens look at Syria and see themselves. This is the reason that despite the repression and their sense of revulsion at the regime, they can continue to support it as a buffer between them and the abyss replete with ethnic slaughter." The paper concludes: "The main weakness of the regime in Tehran is, therefore, also a source of strength."
Ma\’ariv comments on the peace process with the Palestinians and claims that the Israeli media is too uncritical of Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen\’s "continuing refusal to enter into any kind of dialogue." The author asserts that "Netanyahu needs to be a little flexible but, at the same time, Abu Mazen also needs to be flexible," and warns: "As long as we do not criticize his refusal, we are – in effect – encouraging him to dig in rather than compromise."
Yisrael Hayom refers to the ongoing controversy over illegal – mainly African – migrants in Israel and avers: "Israel must make a decision that sets a reasonable quota for work migrants, who – after the fact – would be eligible to be absorbed here. But the decisive majority of those infiltrators who are seeking – and this must be underscored – economic welfare, must return to their homelands." The author believes that "This is the ethical choice to which the Government is obligated vis-à-vis its citizens."
The Jerusalem Post terms the African infiltrators a “Looming
peril,” and states: “As long as infiltrators assume that once through, they
become untouchable and able to stay, they will keep coming.” The editor believes
that changing global conditions will attract even more illegal migrants to
Israel in the future, and warns that “Just as Europe tries – even if belatedly –
to bolt its gates, Israel still refuses to face the daily reality created in our
cities by lax mind-sets and ideology-driven denial.”
Haaretz calls on the government to “reconsider its treatment of political prisoners in general and administrative detainees in particular,” and asserts: “The recently enacted law mandating appropriate conditions for all prisoners, combining proposals by MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) and by the Public Security Ministry – is a step in the right direction.”