The Times this morning includes a small item covering yesterday’s meeting between Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, noting that Merkel cautioned Israel against “one sided” moves to construct West Bank homes while Netanyahu underlined the “deep and solid” friendship between the two countries. The online edition of the Telegraph includes an article highlighting comments made by Israel’s President Shimon Peres, who yesterday praised Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas’ “courage” as a “serious partner” for peace and called on the Quartet to resume a leading role in bringing Israel and the Palestinians to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, the Independent i notes that Jordan’s King Abdullah yesterday paid a rare visit to the West Bank in what was viewed as a show of support for PA President Abbas.

The ongoing unrest in Egypt continues to make headlines in the online editions of the Guardian, Times and Financial Times. All report on President Mursi’s public address yesterday in which he called for dialogue with opponents but rejected demands to withdraw the controversial draft constitution or cancel the decrees which have given him extra-judicial powers. Opposition groups appear to have rejected Mursi’s call for talks and have vowed to continue protests.

Syria continues to be a major focus for media coverage. With indications that the 20-month long internal conflict may be entering a chaotic final stage, the online editions of the Guardian, Financial Times and Independent all report a surprise meeting between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, suggesting that both are united in their concern over the situation despite their opposing views during the conflict. Meanwhile, the Times, Telegraph and Financial Times all report online that Western powers are intensifying efforts to mould the Syrian political opposition into a credible replacement for President Assad’s regime with rebels having made rapid advances this week. Meanwhile, the Independent online reports that clashes between supporters and opponents of Assad in the Lebanese city of Tripoli have killed five people. The Times, Telegraph and Daily Express all feature commentary on the West’s handling of the Syrian conflict.

In the Israeli media, headlines are dominated by the final lists of Knesset candidates, which were submitted yesterday by 34 parties to the Central Election Committee. However, they did not include the Independence Party formerly headed by Ehud Barak, which decided it would not realistically cross the electoral threshold. Despite talks and speculation, the Labour Party, Yesh Atid and Tzipi Livni’s Hatnuah failed to agree to run on a joint list. The most surprising move of the day was the defection of Amir Peretz to Hatnuah, having placed third on the Labour Party list. Peretz’s relationship with Labour head Shelly Yachimovich had become strained during the last week. Haaretz summarises the various intrigues with the headline “The Game of Thrones” while Israel Hayom leads with “Political Circus.” Meanwhile, Maariv publishes a poll which indicates a clear-cut victory for the Likud-Beitenu list which it predicts will win 38 seats, with Labour in second place on 19 mandates.

In other news, both Haaretz and Makor Rishon report prominently on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to Germany, during which he and German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated the close ties between the two countries, but ‘agreed to disagree’ on the Israeli government’s construction plans in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Israel Radio News reports that the Hamas political chief Khaled Mashaal will visit the Gaza Strip today for the first time, having previously been barred entry by Israel and Egypt. He will participate in celebrations to mark the 25^th anniversary of the founding of Hamas tomorrow.