The Guardian, Times, Independent, Telegraph, Independent i and the online edition of the Financial Times all cover the dramatic seizure yesterday by Israeli naval forces of a vessel carrying what is thought to be an Iranian shipment of long-range rockets, destined for the Gaza Strip. The operation was the culmination of detailed intelligence gathering by both Israeli and American agencies. Both Iran and Hamas, which administers the Gaza Strip, deny any knowledge of the weapons. Israeli leaders emphasised that the weapons seizure underscores Iran’s continuing support for terror.

The online edition of the Financial Times covers an incident early Wednesday morning in which Israeli forces shot at Hezbollah fighters apparently planting explosives on the Israel-Syria border. Hezbollah last week threatened retaliation for an alleged Israeli air strike on its positions, but yesterday’s incident would appear to be the first time Hezbollah attempted to attack Israel from Syria, taking advantage of its ties to the Assad regime.

The Independent online covers comments made by Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif, who said yesterday during a trip to Tokyo, that Iran “won’t dismantle” anything of its enrichment capability, including the Arak heavy water reactor, describing such action as a “red line.” The Independent online also says that the European and American board members of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have said that Iran must do more to answer questions over possible military dimensions to its nuclear programme.

Meanwhile, the Times, Guardian, Telegraph and the online edition of the Financial Times report that Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have withdrawn their ambassadors from Qatar in a serious diplomatic crisis among the Gulf States. The Financial Times online says that the three countries strongly object to Qatar’s “maverick foreign policy,” in particular its support for the Muslim Brotherhood, which they regard as a threat to security interests.

In the Israeli media, yesterday’s seizure of an Iranian arms shipment heading for the Gaza Strip dominates the headlines. Israel Hayom’s headline declares “Our forces at their best,” while the story is the lead item in Yediot Ahronot and Makor Rishon. Maariv’s headline notes that the operation took place in international waters in the Red Sea, a full 930 miles from Israel. Haaretz highlights Israel’s intention for the West to renew pressure on Iran as a result of the operation. There is significant commentary on yesterday’s events with Yediot Ahronot’s Sima Kadmon praising the timing of the seizure with Prime Minister Netanyahu in the United States where he can best publicise Iran’s actions. In Maariv, Amir Rappaport highlights the decision to seize the ship rather than strike by air, with the intention to embarrass Iran. However, Alex Fishman in Yediot Ahronot doubts whether even yesterday’s impressive operation will alter international perceptions of Iran.

Israel Radio news reports that Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will today fly to Rome to meet US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Before departing, Lieberman said that continuing talks with the Palestinian Authority (PA) is important, even if a final agreement is not reached.