The Financial Times writes on Iran’s intelligence minister and the intelligence chief of the Revolutionary Guard showing signs of solidarity in the wake of alleged Israeli attacks in the country, specifically on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes through assassinations of key scientists. A reformist politician stated: “It feels as if Israel has established a large organisation in Tehran and freely runs its operations … targeting Iran’s image in people’s eyes.”

The Independent reports that Iran has handed out sanctions to dozens of US officials, both past and present, as a result of their alleged participation in the activities of the Iranian opposition organisation known as the People’s Mujahedin of Iran. The move is a symbolic one, and comes as a direct response to President Biden stating he would use military force as a ‘last resort’ to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb.

The Guardian are claiming that pro-Israel lobbies, led by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, have donated millions of dollars into a Maryland Democratic Primary in order to combat the campaign of Donna Edwards, a former US congresswoman who failed to support Israel during their 2011 war in Gaza and supported the JCPOA nuclear deal.

The Guardian also describes an ever-increasing battle in Tel Aviv’s ultra-orthodox Jewish community, centred around the increasing need to use smartphones in a highly active science and technology industry in the city. The paper explains that much of the community still shuns television and other mass media, which is viewed as a threat to their way of life.

Reuters reports that the Israeli Finance Minister, Avigdor Lieberman, is hoping to utilise ways to allow Russian immigrants to access their bank accounts in Russia and transfer any funds to Israel. Due to Western sanctions over the war in the Ukraine, life for Russian immigrants is becoming increasingly difficult, including the 57,000 retirees who are unable to access their pension in Israel.

In the Israeli media, Yediot Ahronot follow reactions to yesterday’s stabbing attack in Jerusalem, in which a 41-year-old man was stabbed multiple times while on board a public bus near Ramot junction. Prime Minister Yair Lapid said: “I want to wish a speedy recovery to the man who was injured in the stabbing incident in Jerusalem. I congratulate the Ynet photographer who happened to be on the scene and who acted resolutely to neutralise the terrorist and prevented additional people from being hurt. We won’t allow terrorism to rear its head and to disturb our normal routines. We will settle scores with anyone who tries to harm innocent civilians.” Public Security Minister Omer Bar-Lev said: “This is a grave terrorist incident. Thanks to the swift reaction by a civilian, worse harm to the passengers on the bus was averted. We will continue our resolute fight against Palestinian terrorism.” Meanwhile, Hamas Spokesman Hazem Qasem said: “The stabbing incident in Jerusalem is a natural reaction to Israel’s crimes against the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.”

Maariv follows IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi’s official visit to Morocco which began yesterday with a tour of the Mohammed V Mausoleum. A memorial service was held there, in the course of which Kochavi laid a wreath on behalf of the IDF and signed the guest book. Kochavi then met with Moroccan Defence Minister Abdullatif Loudiyi, Inspector General Lt. Gen. Belheir al-Faroul and Head of the Intelligence Directorate Brigadier General Ibrahim Hussaini. The three men later held a strategic panel discussion that was attended by several top Moroccan military officials. Kochavi discussed with his interlocutors opportunities for military cooperation in training and teaching, as well as in operations and intelligence work. The parties discussed the historical and cultural ties  between the two countries and their shared interests across the Middle East.

Israel Hayom reports on the decision by EU foreign ministers to convene the EU-Israel Association Council, which has been idle since 2012. “The Association Council would be a good occasion to engage with Israel on … the situation on the ground in the Palestinian territories [that] is deteriorating,” EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said. The mutual decision made by Israel and the EU to improve relations is reflective of a significant shift in Israeli foreign policy. Bennett and Netanyahu fostered good relationships with Putin and Central European countries, and kept their distance from the EU and its institutions. Lapid, conversely, began to turn the steering wheel as soon as he was appointed foreign minister, and as prime minister he has condemned Putin and has moved closer to the West.

Walla follows the trilateral meeting in Iran with Russia and Turkey. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday that Tehran and Moscow need to “stand guard” in the face of “Western fraud,” and called for long-term cooperation between the two countries. According to reports on state television in Iran, in a joint statement by the two and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the three countries condemned the Israeli attacks on Syria. “They see these attacks as a violation of international law, international humanitarian law and sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Syria, as well as believing that the attacks increase tensions in the region,” the statement said.

Haaretz reports that Merav Michaeli won a second term as Labour Party leader on Monday, defeating her sole rival, party secretary-general Eran Hermoni. The party reported that 15,070 party members – 43 per cent of eligible voters – cast their vote on Monday, a 35 per cent increase from the voting rate in the previous election for party leader. Michaeli took 82.5 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, Zehava Galon has announced her intention to run for leadership of Meretz again. Galon, who headed the the party for a six-year stint in the past, will run against Deputy Economy Minister Yair Golan in the August primary.

Maariv reports that a standoff is expected today in the West Bank between the Defence Ministry and Nachala, a settlement organisation, which is preparing to establish three new outposts today. Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who has been briefed on the details of the plan, instructed the military to inform Israeli citizens who plan on participating in the operation that it is illegal, and that the security forces have been instructed to prevent them from seeing it through. Nachala representatives said that thousands of people are expected to arrive in sixty buses. Police and military officials have said they are concerned that today’s events might lead to clashes between Peace Now members and the settlers. Nachala Chairwoman Daniella Weiss said yesterday, “The Jewish people is no longer willing to keep its heads down and give up its property.” Commenting on the legal question, Weiss said: “Gantz ought to be prosecuted for abandoning Jewish lands to the Arabs. Not only has he not allowed new settlements for the Jews, he’s authorised the construction of illegal Arab houses.”