Almost all dailies cover the announcement yesterday by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ribakov that the sale of an advanced S-300 anti-aircraft system to Syrian President Assad’s regime will go ahead. The Guardian, Times, Telegraph, Sun, Independent, Evening Standard, Independent i, Financial Times, Daily Express and Daily Mirror all report Ribakov’s comments, which were highly critical of the European Union (EU) decision, initiated by Foreign Secretary William Hague, to end its arms embargo of Syria on Monday. The decision paves the way for the UK to potentially arm moderate Syrian opposition groups. Russia’s announcement is seen as a direct response to the EU decision. Most titles also include comments made by Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, who warned that action would be taken if necessary against the S-300 system if it reaches Syria, as it would pose a threat to Israeli air superiority.

However, both the Metro and Independent online cover an interview by William Hague on BBC Radio Four yesterday, during which he reiterated that no decision had yet been taken over arming moderate Syrian rebels. There is significant commentary on Hague’s diplomatic initiative, with editorials in the Independent calling for a Syrian ceasefire, not more arms, while the Telegraph doubts whether lifting the arms embargo will end the bloodshed and the Daily Mirror labels it a “misjudgement.”

The Guardian reports that Austria could withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping force on the Golan Heights in the wake of the EU arms embargo to Syria expiring. The same publication says that the Syrian opposition coalition has warned Hezbollah to remove its troops from the fighting in Syria or face the consequences, while the Telegraph reports that Hezbollah troops are now leading operations on behalf of the Assad regime in the battle for Qusair. The Independent online says that three Lebanese army soldiers were killed yesterday in a raid near the Syrian border. The Financial Times online reports that the Syrian opposition is plagued by splits ahead of proposed talks with Assad government officials slated for next month.

The online edition of the Telegraph covers comments made yesterday about Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas by Israel’s Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, who is leading Israel’s efforts to renew peace talks with the Palestinians. Livni reiterated her desire to reach an agreement with Abbas, but expressed concern over his ability to deliver given that the PA has no control of the Gaza Strip.

The Telegraph online also reports on an extensive civil defence drill which took place across Israel on Monday. Special emphasis was placed on simulating the aftermath of a chemical weapons attack.

In the Israeli media this morning, Yediot Ahronot leads with the Peri Ministerial Committee on creating a more equitable military draft, which reconvenes this morning and is expected to complete voting on its recommendations. This follows tension earlier this week between Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid over the issue of criminal charges being brought against those who refuse to enlist. What had threatened to boil over into a coalition crisis appears to have now cooled and agreement is expected today.

Meanwhile, Haaretz, Maariv and Makor Rishon all focus on Russia’s decision to go ahead with the sale of an advanced anti-aircraft missile system to Syria’s President Assad. Israel Hayom headlines Defence Minister Ya’alon’s warning of a military response should the deal be completed. However, both Hanan Gefen in Maariv and Alex Fishman in Yediot Ahronot argue that Israel’s security needs are a secondary concern in the disagreement over Syria between Russia and the West.

Both Makor Rishon and Maariv cover reports in the Egyptian media that Prime Minister Netanyahu is pressing for a meeting with Egypt’s President Mohammed Morsi.