Several dailies this morning cover varying aspects of the ongoing violent conflict in Syria. The Financial Times online reports that President Assad’s forces are attempting to bolster control of the Lebanese border in an attempt to retain vital supply routes to the capital Damascus. Meanwhile, the Independent online says that Syrian army forces yesterday in air and artillery attacks on a Damascus suburb killed at least 34 Syrian civilians. The Telegraph online covers a report by a US-based humanitarian organisation that claims that rape is being used as a widespread weapon of war in Syria. The online edition of the Times reports that at least 55 governments will petition the United Nations Security Council to refer the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court, although the initiative will almost certainly be vetoed by Russia and China.

This morning’s Financial Times includes an analysis by Gideon Rachman of the possible consequences of Israel’s election next week. In particular, the article focuses on the achievements of the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but argues that he has yet to answer major questions over the country’s future. Meanwhile, the Independent i reports that Naftali Bennett, the leader of the right-wing Jewish Home party, which is viewed as rivalling Netanyahu’s Likud-Beitenu list for votes, is likely to seek a ministerial position in a Netanyahu-led government, despite the rivalry between the two parties and individual leaders.

The online edition of the Guardian covers a report by Palestinian NGO Al Haq, calling on the European Union to ban produce from Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The article includes a response from Israel Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor who accuses Al Haq of “confusing a political position with international law.”

The Times online reports comments by a senior Iranian cleric, who has suggested that this summer’s presidential elections in Iran could be scrapped in favour of MPs appointing a successor to incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The article says that the comments are reflective of nervousness among the Iranian religious leadership over retaining control and securing the result of the election in light of both an ongoing disagreement with Ahmadinejad and the violence which surrounded the 2009 presidential election.

Several Israeli dailies remain focused on the country’s larger than anticipated deficit, after the Finance Ministry announced that it was double the expected figure in 2012. Yediot Ahronot announces on its front page that “Austerity measures are on the way,” while Makor Rishon highlights the response of Prime Minister Netanyahu who said that taxes will not be raised. In an interview yesterday on Channel Two, Netanyahu indicated that if he forms the next government, alternative revenue streams will be found such as proceeds from Israel’s natural gas fields or an increase in exports if international markets recover. Meanwhile, the Labour Party released a statement claiming that every Israeli family will foot an annual bill of around £3,000 to make up the deficit.

Other headlines focus on the possible make-up of the next government and jostling for ministerial positions which has apparently already begun in earnest. Maariv claims that Shas leader Aryeh Deri might recommend that Labour leader Shelly Yachimovich forms the next government. Meanwhile, Haaretz sites top Likud figures saying that Jewish Home leader Naftali Bennett will certainly be in a Netanyahu-led cabinet. Makor Rishon quotes similar Likud sources saying that the next government could include Jewish Home, Shas and Yesh Atid. Meanwhile, Maariv speculates that Netanyahu will either appoint current Education Minister Gideon Saar or a professional as the next finance minister.

Israel Radio News this morning reports on the official appointment yesterday of Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot as deputy chief of staff in place of Maj. Gen. Yair Naveh.