The Times and the online edition of the Telegraph report on speculation that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will order the building of a strengthened fence along the southern end of the country’s border with Jordan, stretching from the Dead Sea to Eilat. According to the Telegraph online, construction of the border fence would follow the completion of a similar barrier along Israel’s border with Egypt which has dramatically reduced the flow of illegal migrants into the country during the past year.

The Independent reports that a twenty-year-old Syrian woman has given birth at a hospital in northern Israel. She reportedly approached the border after access to her local hospital was prevented by the fighting. Israeli soldiers have transferred dozens of Syrian patients from the border for treatment in Israeli hospitals over recent months.

The Guardian online says Egypt is on alert ahead of the trial of ousted premier Mohammed Morsi, which is scheduled to begin today. There have been several deadly clashes between Egyptian security forces and Morsi supporters since the military seized power in July. The Times reports that the venue for Morsi’s trial was moved to an undisclosed location due to fears that it could prove to be another flashpoint. An editorial in the Times says that in addition to the charges levelled at Morsi, military rule in Egypt is also ‘on trial,’ as the country’s rulers must demonstrate seriousness about democratic reform starting with an open and fair trial.

The Times and online editions of the Guardian and Financial Times cover yesterday’s brief visit to Egypt by US Secretary of State John Kerry. The Times says Kerry emphasised the “vital partnership” between the two countries, despite the United States’ recent decision to reduce its military aid to Cairo. The Financial Times online focuses on Kerry’s assertion that there are “indications” of a move back to democracy in Egypt.

In this morning’s Israeli media, Maariv says Israel’s Foreign Ministry is working on a plan to strengthen ties with countries neighbouring Iran, in an effort to isolate it. Apparently, Israel will offer economic, security and civilian cooperation to countries including Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and others.

Israel Hayom focuses on comments made by Prime Minister Netanyahu at yesterday’s cabinet meeting, where he said that the Palestinian Authority (PA) was well aware of Israel’s construction plans ahead of the resumption of peace talks in July. Israel Radio news says Netanyahu accused the PA of attempting to manufacture an “artificial crisis,” creating disquiet over new plans announced last week. Writing in Yediot Ahronot, Nahum Barnea is critical of the current peace talks, commenting “we do not know much about them, except for the general feeling, on both sides of the Green Line, that they are going nowhere.”

Makor Rishon highlights another aspect of Netanyahu’s comments yesterday, in which he said sustained pressure on Iran can lead to the halting of its nuclear programme, while a relaxation of measures would have the opposite effect.

Haaretz gives prominence to legislative efforts to recognize same-sex couples, reporting that the Justice Ministry has published a bill which would legalise “domestic unions.” Similar legislative proposals have been suggested recently by both Yesh Atid and Labour MKs.