The Independent today notes that Israeli opposition leader Tzipi Livni has expressed criticism of the deal that freed kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. The Financial Times, meanwhile, notes moves in Iran to impeach the economy minister. The Times notes that Israel was among the first countries to offer aid to Turkey following the earthquake there, despite the recent decline in relations with Ankara. The Daily Telegraph reports that MI6 was concerned about Dr Liam Fox’s unofficial adviser Adam Werritty ‘meddling’ in foreign policy on Iran. The Daily Mail has an article noting positions supporting and opposing the Shalit release deal.

Over the weekend, the Observer on Sunday had a piece on Tzipi Livni’s statement criticising the deal that secured the freedom of Gilad Shalit. The Observer also noted a scheduled visit by UN nuclear inspectors to the site of suspected Syrian nuclear reactor, and had pieces on the possible imminent release of an Israeli citizen from custody in Egypt, and the earthquake in Turkey. The Guardian on Saturday had a piece by a former US Ambassador to the UN calling for a tough response against Iran in light of its plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to the US. The Financial Times on Saturday had a piece noting remarks by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about Iran’s expanding regional influence. Reuters, meanwhile, noted a statement by Quartet Envoy Tony Blair regarding the Arab Spring and chances for peace in the Middle East. BBC Online had pieces for and against the Shalit deal. The Sunday Mirror published a piece arguing that events in Syria could lead to conflict between Israel and Iran. The Independent on Sunday noted that King Abdullah of Jordan has urged Israel and Palestinians to resume peace talks using the inspiration of the Arab Spring. The Mail on Sunday and the Sunday Times, meanwhile, noted that MI6 warned that Adam Werritty’s activities in Iran might jeopardize British diplomacy. The Daily Telegraph on Saturday noted Iran’s growing regional influence. The Times on Saturday reviewed a new novel set around the events at Masada during the Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire.

Over the weekend, all Israeli papers noted a stabbing attack on an Israeli young man in Jerusalem, which police suspect was nationalistically motivated.

In the Israeli media today, all papers focus on the earthquake in Turkey and Israel’s offers of assistance. Israel Hayom and the Jerusalem Post note a statement by Defence Minister Ehud Barak calling for a new policy on future prisoner abductions. Haaretz notes the statement opposing the deal by opposition leader Livni. The paper also reports on a proposed series of gestures to PA President Abbas, to rebuild his standing vis-à-vis Hamas following the deal.Ynetnews quotes from a new book by former US Secretary of State Condolleeza Rice, in which she recalls feeling surprise when then Prime Minister Ehud Olmert proposed a comprehensive agreement with the Palestinian Authority. Maariv notes that a majority of the Palestinians freed in the Shalit deal declined to sign a document committing them not to engage in further acts of terror.