The main item of Israel related coverage in the UK media today is the release from captivity in Egypt of Ilan Grapel, the Israeli-US citizen who had been held in the country since June. The Guardian, Times, Daily Telegraph, Jewish Chronicle, Independent, Reuters and BBC Online note this latest development. In other stories, the Independent reports Israel’s concern at the acquisitions of arms formerly held by the Gadhafi regime in Libya by Hamas. The paper also has an interview with Bouthaina Sha’aban, a senior adviser to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Reuters notes a renewed crackdown in the city of Homs in Syria. Jewish News quotes remarks by former London mayor Ken Livingstone on Israel. The Jewish Chronicle, meanwhile, quotes from an interview with Jordanian King Abdullah in which he expresses his pessimism regarding chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The Economist has a piece harshly critical of Israeli policy toward Beduin residents of southern Israel. The magazine also runs pieces on renewed tensions between Turks and Kurds, and the declining influence of the west in the Middle East. The Evening Standard and Metro London note Israeli help to Turkey following the earthquake in the east of the country.

The print editions of all Israeli papers focus on the release of Ilan Grapel. Haaretz also has a front-page story on Israeli concerns over the Hamas acquisition of Libyan weapons.

In the Israeli media, Israel Hayom has a piece asserting that the US is set to ask Israel for an additional settlement freeze in the West Bank. Haaretz notes claims that opposition leader Tzipi Livni ‘undermined’ peace efforts during Ehud Olmert’s period of incumbency as prime minister. All papers note Ilan Grapel’s statement that he was treated fairly but underwent difficult times in his Egyptian captivity. Haaretz notes plans for renewed social protests in Israel over the weekend. The Jerusalem Post has a piece on the cancellation of a EU delegation’s trip to Iran. Ynetnews reports on a protest demanding the freeing of Jews imprisoned in Israel for violent acts against Arabs. Maariv reports that PA President Mahmoud Abbas in a surprise announcement next week will dismantle the PA, whilst the Jerusalem Post quotes a senior Palestinian official who denies the rumors.