The Financial Times covers the French initiative for a multi-lateral effort to reignite the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Israeli and Palestinian leaders in the region earlier this week, ahead of a preparatory meeting at the end of this month, to which Israeli and Palestinian representatives are not invited. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that only direct talks between Israel and the PA can bring peace. The article comments that “many in the region are sceptical about whether France will be able to make progress” and that the United States and Russia have yet to confirm their participation.

The Times says that Netanyahu has condemned the opening of the annual Holocaust denial cartoon contest in Iran, urging the world to do likewise. The contest offers an £8,000 prize for the most popular cartoon to demean the Holocaust.

The online editions of the Guardian and Telegraph both report that at least eight Iranian female models have been arrested, accused of activity regarded as “un-Islamic,” including having their hair on display in public.

The Telegraph includes an obituary of the senior Hezbollah leader Mustafa Badraddine, who was killed last week in an explosion in Syria. Badraddine was thought to head Hezbollah’s military operations and was responsible for a deadly attack on US barracks in Beirut in the 1980s and the assassination of former-Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. Hezbollah has blamed Sunni terror groups for his death.

The Guardian, Times and i all cover an incredible find by amateur Israeli divers off the coast of the ancient port of Caesarea in northern Israel. They uncovered a Roman-era shipwreck including a huge haul of artefacts such as bronze statues, lamps and coins.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Yediot Ahronot, also covered prominently in Israel Hayom and Maariv is a meeting yesterday between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, after Ya’alon urged IDF officers to speak their mind over issues of morality and values. It appeared to be a defence of the IDF Deputy Chief of Staff’s controversial recent comments, which were condemned by Netanyahu. A joint statement was issued by Netanyahu and Ya’alon yesterday, which publicly indicated that they have smoothed over any differences. However, Yediot Ahronot indicates that a rift still exists.

Meanwhile, Maariv and Haaretz both highlight an apparent meeting on Sunday evening between Netanyahu and Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog, as speculation continues that the largest opposition party could join the government. Haaretz says that Herzog is demanding that his party are handed either the Justice or Communications Ministry. However, Israel Radio news indicates that little progress was made during Sunday’s meeting. Israel Hayom speculates that Herzog is considering calling the Labour Party convention next week, in what would presumably be an attempt to gather their support for joining the government. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon is quoted by Israel Radio news saying that Netanyahu is talking not only to Zionist Union, but also Yisrael Beitenu with a view to expanding the government.

Another major item, prominently reported in Yediot Ahronot, Israel Hayom and Maariv, is the news that superstar singer Kobi Peretz has been handed a two-year prison sentence for tax evasion. Peretz, who is one of Israeli entertainment’s biggest names, was convicted of evading tax worth a little more than £1 million.