The Guardian reports that the US State Department yesterday defended US Secretary of State John Kerry’s record in defence of Israel and called on “all parties” to “accurately” report his comments. The statement came after some Israeli politicians criticised comments made by Kerry over the weekend at the Munich Security Conference. Kerry warned that the status quo is unsustainable and appeared to suggest that calls to boycott Israel would increase if a peace agreement was not concluded. The Telegraph focuses on criticism by Israel’s Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz who called Kerry’s comments “intolerable” and Economy Minister Naftali Bennett who implied that Kerry appeared as a “mouthpiece” for those advocating boycotts.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reports that SodaStream, the company which is at the centre of actress Scarlett Johansson’s recent highly publicised decision to stand down as an Oxfam ambassador, has accused Oxfam of helping fund organisations which promote boycotts of Israel.

Also in the Financial Times, David Gardner says that despite Kerry’s intense diplomatic efforts, the chances of concluding a peace deal is “improbable” and argues that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will need to state exactly what borders he foresees for any real negotiation to ensue.

Both the Independent and online edition of the Guardian report that John Kerry and Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif met on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference to discuss the interim nuclear agreement. The Telegraph online says the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is seeking “clarification” from Iran on six technical issues regarding fulfilment of the agreement.

The Guardian online also reports that Hillary Clinton publicised a letter in which she urged Congress not to adopt new sanctions against Iran, but called Tehran a “threat to global security.” The report suggests Clinton’s position is carefully calculated as part of a future Presidential bid. The Times says that Prince al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia has warned that his country will lead an Arab race for nuclear power if Iran is permitted a civil nuclear programme. Meanwhile, the Financial Times and City AM say that a delegation of more than 100 French companies, including Total are visiting Iran this week to investigate trade opportunities.

The Times covers comments made by Jordan’s Prince Hassan who has called for regional cooperation over water, warning that it is becoming a scarce commodity which could spark serious regional violence.

The Telegraph online says improvised ‘barrel bombs’ used by President Assad’s Syrian air force have killed 83 people in the city of Aleppo.

In the Israeli media, the top story is comments regarding potential boycotts targeting Israel made by John Kerry and the response of Israeli leaders. Yediot Ahronot reviews the state of various boycott initiatives across the world and includes comments by Foreign Ministry officials suggesting that the economic threat of boycotts is exaggerated. However, Maariv cites Foreign Ministry officials who say not enough is being done to counter the targeting of Israel for boycott.

Comments made by Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon at the Munich Security Conference are also widely covered. Israel Hayom and Makor Rishon both highlight Ya’alon’s assessment that although Israel very much wants a peace agreement, if such a deal is not concluded “We’ll manage.” Yediot Ahronot highlights that Ya’alon and Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif were in close proximity to each other at the conference. However, in the same publication, Shimon Shiffer contrasts the courting of Iran by some world leaders and the “splendid isolation” communicated by Ya’alon.

Meanwhile, Haaretz claims that Israel’s cabinet has agreed to offer roughly £12million in compensation to the families of nine Turkish citizens who were killed on the Gaza-bound protest ship, the Mavi Marmara in 2010 whilst trying to prevent Israeli commandos taking over the vessel.