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Yediot Aharonot says that "We in Israel are watching in astonishment at the depth of hatred between the sides in Egypt, as well as in the entire Arab world. Compared to the hostility in that world, the conflict
with us seems marginal and unfounded. Israel has no interest in involving itself in Egypt or in Syria, but rather to maintain the stability of its borders and the agreements that have been signed."
Ma\’ariv discusses the Iranian threat: "In October 2009, Uzi Eilam, who for a decade led the Israel Atomic Energy Committee, claimed that the media frenzy surrounding uranium centrifuges in Iran would lead to a strengthening of the Islamic republic\’s ability to develop a nuclear bomb…because they were diverting the debate from the main track through which Iran intended to attain the weapon for itself: The plutonium track." The author claims that "The diplomatic talks are [just] a smoke screen."
Yisrael Hayom eulogizes former IDF Chief of Staff Amnon Lipkin-Shahak, calling him "a man of truth." The author notes that "In Amnon Lipkin-Shahak there was a rare blend of qualities: courage and fortitude, wisdom and astuteness, integrity and total trustworthiness, steadfastness towards what he believed in – family, army, country."
The Jerusalem Post comments that “Despite impressive GDP growth and record low unemployment rates over the past few years, the government has failed to significantly reduce the number of households living under the poverty line or to alleviate the tremendous gaps between the rich and poor.” Referring to the results of a recent poll, in which 75% of the respondents felt that “socioeconomic malaise represents a greater threat to Israel’s well-being than does Iran,” the editor states: “In the coming weeks during which Israelis have the undivided attention of politicians vying for votes, we should demand coherent programs for the eradication of poverty.”
Haaretz criticizes the capitulation of the Finance Ministry regarding wage hikes in various government-controlled sectors while refusing to raise wages for nurses, and states that “By granting certain sectors better working conditions while withholding them from others, the Finance Ministry is sending the message that only those who can cause damage get the money.”
[Guy Bechor, Adam Raz and Yoav Limor wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot, Ma\’ariv and Yisrael Hayom, respectively.]