Writing in the Financial Times, Roula Khalaf analyses Israel’s changing relations with its Arab neighbours, saying “Israel is basking in a newfound convergence of interests,” particularly common concerns over Iran’s nuclear development. However, she adds that it is surely “more beneficial” for Israel to use the opportunity “to strike a deal on a Palestinian state and turn a short-term advantage into a durable peace.”

The Times reports that Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israel’s Prime Minister was found guilty of “abusive” and “humiliating” treatment of a former-maintenance worker at the Prime Minister’s residence, who was awarded £24,000 in damages. The report says that among the incidents highlighted in court, the former-employee was summoned at midnight to warm up soup. Sara Netanyahu is also facing allegations of possible fraud over alleged spending of state funds for private purposes.

The Guardian online includes a feature on Palestinians from the Gaza Strip who jump over the border fence into Israel, in a futile attempt to find work. They are apparently even attracted by the prospect of a minimal salary in an Israeli prison if and when they are caught. The article estimates that between 150 and 200 Gazans jumped the border fence within the last year.

In another report, the Guardian online says that an international tribunal at the Hague is continuing its prosecution of senior Hezbollah leader Mustafa Badraddine over his role in the assassination of Lebanon’s former-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. Although Badraddine was killed in an explosion in Syria’s capital Damascus last month, the tribunal says that there is not enough evidence that he is actually dead, to end the case.

In Syria, the online editions of the Independent and Guardian say that a first aid convoy has reached the stricken opposition-held town of Darayya for the first time since 2012. Meanwhile, the Telegraph online reports that the UK and United States have said that they will provide air drops as a last resort to save starving Syrians.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Maariv, which is also covered by Haaretz is about comments made yesterday by Kulanu leader, Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who said: “The rumours and talk of a substantial diplomatic process in our region are based on a lot more than just hints in the newspapers. There is the possibility of a significant change in direction on a regional level.” Kahlon did not provide any further detail, but is thought to be referring to the backing of Egypt’s President al-Sisi for a push towards Israel-Palestinian peace talks within the context of a wider regional settlement. Kahlon called for the opposition leader, Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog, to join the government in order to aid this effort.

The Mako news website says that members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee have sharply criticised outgoing committee chair Tzachi Hanegbi, who has recently been appointed as a Minister without Portfolio. Hanegbi is said to have issued a report before leaving his role, which effectively clears Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of any blame for the failure to detect the threat of tunnels in Gaza, prior to Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Committee member, Yesh Atid MK Ofer Shelah called Hanegbi’s report an “attempted cover up.” Zionist Union MK Omer Bar-Lev expressed similar sentiments.

Meanwhile, Yediot Ahronot says that Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has criticised Sara Netanyahu’s lawyer, after he publicly condemned the judge who ruled in favour of a former-employee against Netanyahu this week. Shaked said “One can criticize and disagree with verdicts. I will not allow for personal attacks on judges.”