In coverage of Boris Johnson’s appointment as Foreign Secretary, both the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror note the controversy surrounding his visit to Israel and the region in November. Johnson visited Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, boosting UK-Israel ties. However, after he sharply criticised those who support a boycott of Israeli goods, describing them as “corduroy-jacketed lefty academics”, Palestinian groups in the West Bank cancelled their scheduled meetings with Johnson.

The Independent online covers the controversy in Israel over the appointment of Eyal Krim as the new IDF Chief Rabbi. Krim is accused of having a history of misogynistic comments, appearing to suggest that women should not be allowed to serve in the IDF. The article includes criticism of the appointment from opposition figures, including senior Zionist Union leader Tzipi Livni.

Elsewhere in the region, the Telegraph and the online edition of the Guardian both report comments made by Turkey’s Prime Minister, which indicated that Ankara is seeking to normalize relations with Syria. However, an anonymous senior Turkish official is quoted apparently walking back the comments, saying that it was merely an expression of hope for the future, rather than a policy statement. Both Turkey and the Assad regime share concerns over Kurdish separatists.

Meanwhile, both the Telegraph and Financial Times report that the software gaming company Playtech, owned by Israeli Teddy Sagi, is purchasing industry competitor BGT for £11.6m.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Israel Hayom, which is also covered prominently in Haaretz, Maariv and Yediot Ahronot, is the confirmation by IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, that Eyal Krim will be appointed as the next IDF Chief Rabbi. Krim issued an inclusive message to all IDF soldiers, saying “I recognise the differences and the diversity of IDF soldiers and the important contribution of each soldier, men and women, who serve in the IDF, regardless of sexual preference, ethnic community or nationality. The IDF accepts all of Israeli society in all its hues. Like every officer, I support meaningful service of every soldier, man and woman”. However, Maariv quotes Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah vehemently opposing Krim’s appointment, as does Meretz MK Issawi Frej on Israel Radio news.

The main story in Yediot Ahronot and Maariv, which is also a major item in Haaretz and Israel Hayom, is news that a parole board has recommended releasing former-President Moshe Katzav from prison as early as next week, having served two thirds of his seven-year sentence for rape and sexual harassment. Apparently, one of the terms of his early release will be an agreement not to defame his victims. Israel Radio news says that the parole board will meet again next week to discuss the case, while Katzav will be required to attend a rehabilitation programme on his release.

The top item in Haaretz is the organisers’ decision to cancel the gay pride parade in the southern city of Beer Sheva, which was scheduled to take place today. They made the decision after the High Court ruled that the route should be altered from the city’s main street elsewhere, after police requested the re-routing on security grounds. The organisers said that they will instead hold a protest rally outside Beer Sheva City Hall.