Writing in the Telegraph online, Shashank Joshi says that Israel and Arab nations are “slowly drawing closer together”, with increased discreet diplomatic and security contacts, especially between Israel, Saudi Arabia and Gulf states. He says that “there is no question” this has been prompted by common concern over Iran, but that the process remains fragile. Joshi concludes that improved Israel-Arab relations represent “a region in extraordinary flux” and that UK diplomacy must adapt accordingly.

In the Guardian online, Leilani Farha calls on the United Nations (UN) Security Council to “act decisively” over Israeli moves to demolish the West Bank community of Susiya and nearby Bedouin encampments. Israeli authorities claim that structures in these areas have been constructed illegally.

The Independent covers reports from Israel that the country’s culture ministry is introducing guidelines for performers at events it funds, to show “respect” in their choice of dress. It follows an incident in which singer Hanna Goor reportedly had her set cut short at a publicly-funded performance for wearing a bikini.

Writing the Business Commentary section in the Times, Harry Wilson criticises the binary options industry, which he calls a “fraud” and a “growing scandal”. In particular, he highlights Israel as having “become home to dodgy firms,” praising the Times of Israel for its investigative work on the issue. He calls on UK authorities to “get a grip on the problem”.

Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation says that the United Nations has paid millions of pounds to organisations run by associates of Syria’s President Basher al-Assad, including those headed by his British-born wife Asma. The story is also covered by the online editions of the Times and Independent.

The Guardian online says that Turkey is threatening further strikes on the Syrian Kurdish militia, which is backed by much of the West, unless it retreats beyond the Euphrates River.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Maariv and Haaretz is comments attributed to Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman. He  is reported to have said that it is unlikely that the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza and currently held by Hamas, will be returned to Israel, as he has no intention of making a deal with Hamas. The family of one of the soldiers in question, Hadar Goldin, said that Lieberman lacks the “moral legitimacy to be the defence minister of the State of Israel”.

Maariv also prominently reports that a soldier from the Kfir Brigade, who shot dead a Palestinian who approached his position near Silwad in the West Bank on Friday, is being investigated by the military police on suspicion of negligent homicide. The soldier, who has not been named, has said that he carried out the correct protocol and opened fire when he felt in danger. The Palestinian was found to be unarmed and possibly suffering from mental health issues. The soldier has been released to his base under caution.

Both Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom prominently report the re-start in the military trial of another soldier, Elor Azaria, who is accused of having unlawfully killed a Palestinian terrorist in Hebron, when the assailant had already been incapacitated. Azaria’s former-platoon commander, who has recently completed his military service, yesterday testified in support of Azaria’s claim that there was a genuine concern that the terrorist could be in possession of explosives. He accused Azaria’s company commander of lying during his testimony.

The Times of Israel reports on statements made by UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, who reported to the Security Council that Israeli settlement-related announcements and continuing house demolitions have surged over the last two months and constitute an obstacle to peace. Sources in Netanyahu’‎s bureau rejected these comments, arguing that the main obstacle to peace was the constant attempt by the Palestinians to deny the connection of Jews to the historic regions of their land.

Israel Radio news says that former-Defence Minister and one-time Labour Party leader Binyamin Ben-Eliezer will be buried this afternoon in Holon. He died on Sunday aged 80 following several years of ill-health.