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Media Summary

More revelations in PM Netanyahu’s criminal investigation

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The Guardian online reports that the UK blocked a statement of EU foreign ministers yesterday, which would have adopted the conclusions of Sunday’s Paris peace conference. Reportedly supported by Estonia and Hungary, the UK is believed to have argued that such a statement would be poorly timed just four days before a change of administration in Washington. The report says that European diplomats believe that the UK decision was “motivated primarily by a need to cosy up to Trump”.

The Financial Times says that the UK “faces criticism” from European and Palestinian diplomats over its refusal to sign a concluding statement at Sunday’s Paris conference. The critics have apparently accused the UK of “trying to curry favour with Trump”.

In an editorial, the Telegraph comments that “convening the Paris conference… has been more about the Obama administration scoring points over Israel than any serious effort at reviving peace talks”.

The Evening Standard covers US President Obama’s interview with 60 Minutes, in which he said that there is no “major rupture” in US-Israel relations over a recent UN Security Council resolution, but that Israeli settlements are a “problem”.

The Financial Times and the online edition of the Guardian report that the owner of Yediot Ahronot, Noni Mozes, has been questioned again by Israeli police as part of a criminal investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dealings with businessmen. It is alleged that Netanyahu and Mozes discussed a quid pro quo arrangement, whereby Netanyahu would support legislation limiting the circulation of a rival newspaper, in return for more positive coverage. Netanyahu continues to deny any wrongdoing.

The i reports that Qatar has delivered fuel to the Gaza Strip in order to help ease an electricity crisis there, which sparked rare public protests against the Hamas authority. It is reported that Turkey is also expected to deliver further fuel relief.

The Guardian, Financial Times, i, Independent and online edition of the Times report that an Egyptian court has rejected a government plan to return two uninhabited islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. Egypt’s government announced the plan to hand over control of Tiran and Sanafir last year but the measure, regarded by many as an attempt to secure Saudi funds, led to public protests.

The online editions of the Times and Telegraph report that ISIS is fighting government forces to establish a new base in Syria at Deir Ez-zor.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Yediot Ahronot, Maariv, Haaretz and Israel Hayom is further development in the investigation over talks between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Yediot Ahronot owner Noni Mozes. Attorney General Avichai Mandleblit yesterday released a statement defending his handling of the investigation and said that he may consider releasing the recorded conversations in the future, but that releasing them now would be detrimental to the investigation.

Haaretz reports that one of PM Netanyahu’s sons, Yair, will be questioned by police today as part of the criminal investigation.

Maariv prominently reports that a 17-year-old Palestinian was killed yesterday in clashes with Israeli troops near Bethlehem in the West Bank. Four other Palestinians were also reportedly injured as clashes intensified during the evening.

Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom cover the death of an Israeli soldier yesterday in an accident at an IDF base in the Golan Heights. The soldier was apparently carrying out maintenance work on an armoured personnel carrier when the accident occurred, although further details of what happened are not yet clear.

Yediot Ahronot, Maariv and Israel Hayom report that IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot will be hospitalised for several days in order to undergo an unspecified medical procedure.