In today’s UK media, the Times reports on the security cabinet discussion on the repercussions of an attack on Iran. They note 100,000 rockets are aimed at Israel mainly from Hezbollah in Lebanon, but also Syria and Hamas in Gaza. The paper estimates that in a three-week intensive rocket barrage the worst case scenario would be 300 casualties. They also surmise that the threat from a nuclear armed Iran would be much worse. The Guardian and Independent follow the controversy over the settlers takeover of the Beit HaMachpela in Hebron. Both papers note Prime Minister Netanyahu’s intervention on behalf of the settlers. BBC online covers the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject a request by the Palestinian Authority to investigate the 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. BBC online also reports on US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice warning Syria not to intensify the violence ahead of the ceasefire expected on April 10. There is also broad coverage of the arrests of 13 Islamic radicals in France who were behind a plot to kidnap a Jewish judge.

The Israeli media today reports on Prime Ministers Netanyahu’s press conference yesterday marking the third anniversary of his government. Yediot Ahronot quotes the Prime Minister’s metaphor of a tree, ‘’The roots are Israel’‎s values and security. The trunk is the economy, and the fruit is our social achievements. This tree is remarkably stable. It is bearing fruit and everyone is enjoying it. This government is stable, but more importantly, this country is stable in light of what is happening around the world.” Haaretz reports on a letter the Prime Minister is planning to send to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas calling on him to return to direct negotiations. All the papers report on the decision International Criminal Court (ICC) to reject the Palestinian Authority claim to investigate the 2009 Operation Cast Lead in Gaza. The Jerusalem Post notes the ruling clarifies they did not recognise Palestine as a state. All the papers continue to follow unfolding issues over the disputed house in Hebron. Yediot Ahronot quotes a variety of Likud ministers visiting the house in support. The paper also noted that PM Netanyahu emphasised that the case was an isolated house that should not be exaggerated. Ma’ariv notes that Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned about coalition stability following Defence Minister Ehud Barak’s decision to serve the eviction notice without coordinating the move with the cabinet. Israel Hayom leads with the head of the IDF northern command warning that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah is a legitimate target. The Times of Israel reports on a suspicious figure crawling towards the fence in Gaza who was killed by the IDF.