The Telegraph and Independent both cover Lebanese media reports which claim Israeli jets bombed a Hezbollah missile base near the Lebanon-Syria border. Neither the Lebanese nor Israeli military confirmed the strike, but local residents reported evidence of an air operation. Media reports have claimed that Israel has carried out such air strikes on several occasions since the start of the Syrian conflict, preventing missiles from being transferred to Hezbollah.

The Independent online reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her entire cabinet arrived in Israel last night for an official visit to strengthen bilateral ties. During a press conference alongside Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Merkel emphasised the “strong friendship” between the two countries.

The online editions of the Guardian, Times, Telegraph and Financial Times all cover yesterday’s surprise resignation of Egypt’s Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi and his cabinet. The Guardian online suggests that Beblawi had suffered serious criticism recently, prompting the resignation. However, the Times says that the move is designed to pave the way for de facto military ruler General al-Sisi to declare his candidacy in upcoming presidential elections. Al-Sisi was also serving as defence minister. The Financial Times says that charismatic Housing Minister Ibrahim Mehlab may replace Beblawi.

The Times reports that a senior al-Qaeda figure in Syria was killed by fellow Islamist group ISIS, which was officially disowned by al-Qaeda just weeks ago, underscoring the fractured nature of Syrian opposition to the Assad regime. Meanwhile, the Independent online includes a feature on sustained violence in the Lebanese city of Tripoli, where clashes between Sunni and Alawite groups mirror the conflict in neighbouring Syria.

In the Israeli media, Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom report on the apparent air strikes which took place last night against Hezbollah targets near the Lebanon-Syria border. Although there is no official confirmation of the attack, it is also reported in Haaretz and Makor Rishon. Most reports agree that at least two sites were bombed.

The visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her cabinet is covered prominently by Israel Hayom and Maariv, which carries the headline “We’ve come to show you that our friendship is real,” quoting Merkel from a joint press conference yesterday evening. A joint cabinet session will be held today at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.

Maariv and Makor Rishon report that the Knesset will today debate a declarative motion proposed by Likud MK Moshe Feiglin, which would call on the government to establish Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, holy to both Jews and Muslims. At present, the site which includes the al-Aqsa Mosque is under the control of Muslim religious authorities, with Jews barred from praying there. However, altering the status quo at such a sensitive spot would cause significant tensions with the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and beyond. Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to firmly oppose Feiglin’s initiative.

Haaretz, Yediot Ahronot and Israel Radio news report that a rare gathering of all ultra-Orthodox factions met in Bnei Brak yesterday to declare their united opposition against the proposed legislation to widen the military draft, including the mandatory enlistment of large numbers of ultra-Orthodox seminary students.