The Times reports on the Israel State Comptroller’s report published yesterday, which covered a wide range of issues, including the so-called ‘Bibi Tours’ episode. In 2011, an investigative report alleged that trips abroad made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family, during his time as Finance Minister and a regular MK between 2003 and 2005, were often funded by outside groups and individuals, without being properly reported to the relevant parliamentary body as gifts. There have also been allegations that some costs were double billed. The State Comptroller yesterday said that the trips “created the appearance of a conflict of interest” and passed on the information to the Attorney General to consider an investigation.

The Financial Times says that Israel and Turkey are edging closer towards a reconciliation deal, which would re-establish diplomatic ties between the two countries. The article says that Turkey is “softening its stance,” in part due to its “political friction with Russia.”

The Guardian includes a feature on the new, purpose-built Palestinian town of Rawabi, northwest of Ramallah in the West Bank. Although Rawabi is in an area under Israeli military control, it is the first planned urban centre for Palestinians and will include homes for 40,000 people plus facilities such as shopping centres and cinemas. The article says that although Rawabi is now in a second phase of property construction, it has faced significant difficulties, including being connected to the Israeli water system.

The online editions of the Telegraph and Independent both cover a report by the US security think tank Stratfor, which claims that four Russian helicopters and dozens of Russian military lorries at a base near the Syrian town of Tiyas were destroyed in an ISIS attack. Russia described the claims as “propaganda.”

Meanwhile, the Financial Times and the online edition of the Telegraph both report that conservative cleric Ahmad Jannati has been selected to head Iran’s Experts’ Assembly, a key body in deciding the country’s next Supreme Leader. Jannati’s appointment is widely viewed as a blow to Iran’s relative reformists.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Yediot Ahronot, Maariv and Haaretz is the State Comptroller’s report published yesterday, and in particular the section devoted to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s travel expenses. Writing in Yediot Ahronot, Shimon Shiffer predicts that nothing will come of the investigation which has now been turned over for the Attorney General’s consideration. Also in Yediot Ahronot, Sima Kadmon accuses Netanyahu of “pathological stinginess.” Meanwhile, Israel Hayom suggests that there is “left-wing disappointment” over the report, as it has not revealed anything likely to threaten Netanyahu’s position.

Meanwhile, Haaretz also focuses on another aspect of the State Comptroller’s report, which criticised the government’s efforts to combat threats to boycott and delegitimise Israel. It suggested that the division of labour between the relevant ministries is ineffective.

The top story in Israel Hayom, confirmed by Israel Radio this morning is the news that Yisrael Beitenu, Likud and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon have finally come to an agreement over Yisrael Beitenu’s entry into the government, following late-night talks. The negotiations had stalled on Yisrael Beitenu’s demand over increasing pension payments for elderly immigrants from the former-Soviet Union. However, the pension boost will now be applied across the board, paving the way for Yisrael Beitenu leader Avigdor Lieberman to be sworn in next week as Defence Minister. The coalition agreement is expected to be signed today.