The Times reports that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is also the communications minister, supports legislation that would prevent the establishment of a new national broadcasting authority. The bill, proposed by Likud MK David Bitan, has caused a split in the governing coalition. The article says that Netanyahu is promoting the legislation out of “fear that a new broadcaster would act as a critical liberal voice”.

The Financial Times online includes a feature on Hagai El-Ad, the head of Israeli human rights group B’tselem. El-Ad caused significant controversy in Israel after recently testifying at the UN Security Council during a session on Israeli settlements, during which he criticised Israeli construction in the West Bank. The article says that his remarks “hit a nerve” and El-Ad is “facing the wrath of the right-wing establishment” while “left-wing Israelis have rallied” behind him. The article predicts that “the discord is likely to escalate”.

Writing in the Guardian online, Paul Daley analyses the 99^th anniversary of the First World War battle at Beer Sheva in what is today southern Israel. The 4^th Australian Light Horse Brigade broke through Turkish lines in what is considered the “last ‘great’ successful cavalry charge”. Daley predicts that both the Australian and Israeli governments will use next year’s centenary anniversary “to go overboard on commemorating an event that has never received the considered national attention it warrants”.

The Independent reports that Russia is sending three submarines to join its significant naval force in the Middle East.  The Guardian online covers comments by Staffan de Mistura, the UN special envoy for Syria, who said he is “appalled and shocked” by indiscriminate rocket fire from rebel forces looking to repel the government offensive in Aleppo.

In the Israeli media, the top story in all the newspapers is the tightening race for the US presidency. The front page headline in Yediot Ahronot, Israel Hayom and Maariv is “Close race”.

Yediot Ahronot, Maariv, Israel Hayom and Haaretz report on the continuing uncertainty over the future of Israel’s new broadcasting authority. The bill to halt its activity, being spearheaded by David Bitan, will be brought to next Sunday’s cabinet meeting for a vote. It is reported that Finance Minister and Kulanu head Moshe Kahlon yesterday boycotted a meeting of coalition heads over the bill, in protest at the legislation. However, Maariv says that Prime Minister Netanyahu is prepared to go “all the way and even dismantle the government and hold elections if necessary” over the issue.

Israel Radio news previews today’s opening of the Knesset’s winter session following a three-month break. It says that the broadcasting authority will be a major issue, as well as the scheduled dismantling of the West Bank outpost of Amona. Israel’s High Court has given the government until 25 December to carry this out, with Jewish Home and many Likud MKs strongly opposed to such action. It is thought that Prime Minister Netanyahu will seek a six-month delay from the court.

Israel Radio news says that residents of Amona have written a letter to officials opposing plans to evacuate them to a different West Bank settlement and have asked for Amona to be legalised through legislation. Israel Radio news also says that Jewish Home Minister Uri Ariel has instructed his National Union faction to vote against the state budget unless a solution for Amona is found.