The Guardian reports on a widespread social media protest by Israeli soldiers unhappy at the apparent punishment meted out to an infantry soldier in the Nahal Brigade who was filmed cocking his gun at a Palestinian teenager who confronted him in Hebron. The protestors, obscuring their faces to escape punishment, have posted messages of support for the Nahal soldier, in an expression of dissatisfaction at what they view as an absence of support by authorities towards soldiers facing difficult situations and often provocation in the West Bank on a daily basis.

Both the Independent and Independent i cover an announcement made yesterday by Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that he will promote a new Basic Law to define Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. Netanyahu emphasised that the personal and civic equality of all Israeli citizens would be fully maintained even if the new legislation were adopted.

In the online edition of the Guardian, Julian Borger says that there is reason for optimism over the current talks between the P5+1 forum (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran to reach a long-term agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme and that both sides have been surprised at the progress made so far. However, Borger cautions that plenty can still go wrong and it will be pivotal whether top negotiators can agree common language during a new round of talks beginning on 12 May.

The Guardian online reports that the United Nations (UN) is looking for a new Syrian envoy, with Lakhdar Brahimi poised to step down from the role. Among the candidates are former-Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Lord Michael Williams, a former UN co-ordinator on the Middle East Peace Process and previously a Middle East advisor to Gordon Brown during his time as Prime Minister.

Meanwhile, the Times says that the isolated village of Tufail in eastern Lebanon is facing the prospect of an assault by President Assad’s forces after 5,000 Syrian refugees fled there, including opposition fighters.

In the Israeli media, Haaretz focuses on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement yesterday that he plans to promote a new Basic Law enshrining Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people. Israel Radio news says that Justice Minister and Hatnuah leader Tzipi Livni has said that she will oppose such an initiative, regardless of who proposes it.

The stabbing of a 20-year-old female, whose body was found yesterday near the northern town of Migdal Haemek is covered by Yediot Ahronot, Sof Hashavua, Haaretz and Israel Hayom. All speculate that the woman, from Afula, may have been murdered in a nationalistically-motivated terrorist incident. However, a gag order has been placed on the investigation for the time being.

The death of well-known Israeli film maker and actor Assi Dayan is a prominent item in Yediot Ahronot, Haaretz, Israel Hayom and Sof Hashavua, which describes him as a “genius.” Dayan, who passed away aged 68 was responsible for classic Israeli films such as “Givat Halfon.” He was also the son of former-Defence Minister Moshe Dayan.

Ahead of next week’s Independence Day celebrations, Sof Hashavua publishes the results of a poll which indicates that 85% of the public are proud to be Israelis and 66% of respondents said that Israel is a good place to live.