The online editions of the Telegraph, Guardian and Independent report on an apparent massacre carried out by Syrian army forces loyal to President Assad. More than 100 people were reportedly killed in a village just outside Homs with some reports indicating that many of those killed were burned alive. Meanwhile, the Guardian online says that there is a growing schism within the Syrian opposition forces between the al-Qaida affiliated Jabhat al-Nusra faction and other fighters seeking to overthrow the Assad regime.

The Telegraph reports this morning that Israel’s government has given permission for plans to construct new homes in two locations in the West Bank. The report notes that the decision comes in the wake of purported criticism by US President Obama over the leadership of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is considered by some as an answer to Obama’s alleged comments. A report in the United States suggested earlier this week that Obama believes Netanyahu “does not know what Israel’s best interests are.” With Israel set to take to the polls next week, the Guardian reports on a Facebook initiative by a group of Israelis who are ‘donating’ their vote to Palestinians. Meanwhile, the New Statesman publishes an in-depth and varied A-Z guide to Israel, covering topics from politics to sport, religion and culture.

With today the final day on which polls may be published, the Israeli media is dominated by a series of surveys. Yediot Ahronot, Haaretz and Sof Hashavua all publish polls which they commissioned while Maariv takes an overview of six recent polls. All indicate that the joint Likud-Beitenu list headed by current Prime Minister Netanyahu is set to receive 32-35 seats, the Labour Party looks likely to win 16-17 mandates, while Jewish Home are predicted to secure 12-15 seats, Yesh Atid 11-13 seats and Hatnuah 7-8 mandates. There is accompanying speculation over the coalition possibilities following Tuesday’s election. Writing in Israel Hayom, Matti Tuchfeld speculates that Netanyahu will look to right-wing and religious parties Jewish Home, Shas and United Torah Judaism to form the next government. However, he also suggests that Labour Party leader Shelly Yachimovich could attempt to form a form a coalition comprising Yesh Atid, Hatnuah and ultra-Orthodox parties. Meanwhile, Yediot Ahronot reports comments by Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni who called for a unity government and Yair Lapid’s pledge that his Yesh Atid party will not join a coalition without agreement to implement a universal draft. Netanyahu is interviewed in both Israel Hayom and Maariv, in which he suggested that West Bank settlements will not be removed during the coming four years under his leadership.

Meanwhile, Israel Radio News reports that talks between Iran and representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Tehran have ended with no progress on inspecting Iranian nuclear facilities. Talks are set to continue in three weeks time.