The Guardian, Reuters, and Mail Online all report the statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday that Israel will refuse any diplomatic talks with an emerging Palestinian unity government if an armed Hamas plays any role within it.

BBC News Online reports that Iraqi government forces have taken control of the two largest oilfields near the disputed city of Kirkuk after Kurdish forces withdrew from the area. The Times reports that the Iraqi government now plans to double the output of the oil fields,

The Times reports that officials in the US Pentagon have been highly embarrassed by the claim that US-supplied tanks were used by the Iraqi army in support of pro-government militia’s fighting the Iraqi Kurds. The tanks were supplied to the Iraqi government under the provision they be used only for the campaign against ISIS and the protection of the country’s borders. Senior Congressional figures are now threatening to withhold arms sales to Iraq if American armour is used against the Kurds.

The Mail Online reports that Israeli authorities have advanced plans for 1,292 “settler homes” in the West Bank.

The Mail Online also reports statements made by Israeli Labour Party leader Avi Gabbay that a peace deal with the Palestinians could include Israel retaining settlements in the West Bank.

The Times features an op-ed by Jacob Rothschild reflecting on the role his ancestor Lord Rothschild played in the Balfour Declaration and celebrating Israeli democracy. Rothschild concludes on an optimistic note, stating that “the ultimate prize of peace will take time, effort, thought and bravery but these virtues are not necessarily in short supply. Continuing the process that Balfour’s letter helped to begin — achieving the permanent, just peace that it optimistically assumed would occur: these are the challenges it continues to pose.”

BBC News Online, the Guardian and the Times report that Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)  spokesman Talal Sello has declared the battle for Raqqa over after a four-month assault. Clearing operations are now underway to uncover ISIS sleeper cells and remove landmines. A US spokesman has confirmed that 90 per cent of the city has been cleared.

The Times features an analysis by Tom Parfitt that argues that foreign powers are now poised to “carve up” Syria after the fall of Raqqa.

Maariv, Israel Hayom and Haaretz lead with the Security Cabinet announcement that there will be no negotiations with the Palestinians unless Hamas disarms. Maariv is dismissive that the agreement between Fatah and Hamas amounts to any real change.  The paper also notes an IDF announcement yesterday that the fishing zone that Israel allocates to fishermen in the southern Gaza Strip will be increased as of today from six miles to nine. The move is meant to help expand the fishing industry in the Gaza Strip.

Yediot Ahronot leads with an initiative to expose sexual harassment wherever it occurs, stating it has happened to most women.  The campaign is being led by a range of high-profile women from politics, the media and entertainment who all reveal they have suffered from sexual harassment in the past.  The paper has adopted the Hebrew equivalent of #metoo.

Maariv reports that following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting yesterday with Russian Defense Minister Shoigu, the Russian government has agreed to keep Iran and Hezbollah away from the Israeli border on the Golan.   However, the paper highlights that Israel has asked for a 40km security zone, whilst the Russians suggested 10-15km as being more realistic.

Haaretz gives prominent coverage to the fighting in Raqqa, the ISIS capital in Syria that has now been liberated after three years.

Maariv and Haaretz report that IDF forces raided the offices of eight Hamas and Islamic Jihad-affiliated media outlets in the West Bank last night on the grounds that their broadcasts amounted to incitement to violence. The forces confiscated equipment and hung warrants ordering that the organisations close for six months, two suspects were arrested.

Israel Hayom continues its exposé from yesterday that asserts the real reason Hamas has “symbolically” agreed to give up control of Gaza is part of its plan to eventually take over the PLO.

Yediot Ahronot reveals that last week the Police Commissioner received a phone call warning him that he would be targeted as a result of the investigations into alleged corruption of the Prime Minister.   The Prime Minister’s office insists the criticism only related to the leaks.