Although it is a quiet day for Israel news in the English newspapers, the Daily Mail includes the Palestinian Authority in its “Dirty Dozen” list of tyrannical regimes funded by British taxpayers. It notes that the UK Government gives £25 million annually to the Authority, some of which is used to pay salaries to convicted terrorists in Israeli jails. It also claims there is widespread corruption.

Yediot Ahronot, Maariv, Israel Hayom, Haaretz and the Jerusalem Post report that Hamas is attempting to re-arm rapidly, according to a briefing from IDF Southern Command. According to the IDF, Hamas is building and developing new rockets and has trained more naval commandos and special forces for incursions into Israel. However, in the meantime Hamas is also trying to avoid an escalation that could lead to another conflict.

Israel Radio reports that Hamas is demanding the release of 56 prisoners as a precondition for progressing talks with Israel over the fate of two MIAs following the 2014 Gaza conflict. The two MIAs are both believed to have been killed in action but Hamas is holding their bodies hostage.

Haaretz leads on a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that he has not granted permits for new houses in West Bank settlements. Yesterday, Haaretz claimed that hundreds of new houses would be built, but the Prime Minister’s Office clarified that the permits were for home improvements and not for new buildings. Reports remain conflicted.

Yediot Ahronot, Maariv, Israel Hayom and other papers report that the soldier who shot a wounded terrorist in Hebron will be formally charged with manslaughter. The soldier’s supporters, including MK Oren Hazan (Likud) objected to the charge, and held protests outside the court. The prosecution maintains that new evidence strengthens their case. The charge will be formally made on Monday.

All papers report that a Palestinian attacked an IDF soldier with an axe at a post near to Bethlehem yesterday. The attacker was reported to be linked to Hamas and to have spent jail time in Israel. He was shot and killed during the attack. Israel Hayom also reports on two 12-year-old Palestinian boys arrested with knives in Jerusalem. One of the boys was carrying a suicide note addressed to his parents.

Maariv and the Jerusalem Post cover inflammatory remarks by Joint List MK Jamal Zahalka to Palestinian media site Dunya al-Watan. In his comments, Mr Zahalka appears to promote violent action to ‘defend’ the Temple Mount against Jewish visitors and to urge Palestinian terror groups to join such action.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be having secret talks with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, according to Israel Beyteinu leader Avigdor Liberman. Liberman’s claims were reported in a number of Israeli papers including the Jerusalem Post, but were denied by Mr Netanyahu’s official spokesman.