Israel Government Press Office)

Ma'ariv commends Yad Vashem for its recent decision to recognize an Egyptian doctor, the late Mohamed Helmy, as a Righteous Among the Nations,  and notes that Dr. Helmy is the first Arab so named. The author calls on Yad Vashem to reconsider its policy of not considering Arabs from Tunisia as possible candidates for Righteous Among the Nations on the grounds that the Nazi occupation was too short-lived and that Tunisian Arabs who helped Jews were not in danger for doing so. The paper objects to this sweeping policy and believes all possible cases should be considered on their individual merits.

Yediot Aharonot says that "Recently, Abu Mazen has undertaken a Rouhani-like policy: He used idyllic and dandyish descriptions in order to deceive global opinion, which really does not understand the Middle East very well," and accuses the PA Chairman of practicing "diplomatic terrorism" against Israel at every opportunity. The author complains that "At every international forum, the Palestinian representative immediately and brazenly attacks the Israeli representative and we and the world regards this harassment as self-evident," and adds: "This is an additional form of terrorism, after the military terrorism by this same Palestinian Authority was a resounding failure. Abu Mazen goes from one international leader to the other inciting against Israel." The paper asks: "If we are in a peace' process, why does Abu Mazen engage in incitement?" and asserts: "More than Abu Mazen wants a state, he wants the Jews not to have a state." The author reminds his readers that Abu Mazen is calling for a Jew-free, ethnically cleansed state and believes that Israel should demand financial compensation for every Jew who leaves his/her home under any peace agreement.

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Yisrael Hayom analyzes Shas's efforts in the recent local elections and accuses the party of "not just cynically exploiting [the late] Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's name, but also showing contempt for the Jewish faith." The author cites signs that sought to remind voters that the late Rabbi Yosef "is watching you from above with his pure eyes and examining your hand," and asks: "How cynical and obtuse can one be to bring down Rabbi Yosef's image for political considerations?" The paper suggests that, "The public, for the most part, knows how to distinguish between his [Rabbi Yosef's] religious and political legacies," and concludes: "While the rabbi lived, he chose to act in the political sphere. But now that he has gone to a better place, the attempt to use him for wheeling-and-dealing political activity disrespects both him and the nation."

The Jerusalem Post laments the poor turnout of voters, and states: “It is repeatedly disheartening that these municipal bouts fail to excite greater participation – the low turnout is hardly a new phenomenon – especially as the results may greatly affect our daily lives.”

Haaretz notes the “a negative correlation between Knesset and municipal elections,” and states that this occurrence is “A vote for apathy and a nod to corruption.” The editor comments on the reelection of mayors who were ousted by order of the High Court of Justice just ahead of the election because they were indicted for corruption, and is worried that “many of their constituents do not feel the charges against them justify their removal from office.” The editor asserts: “Anyone who has been charged with corruption, whether on the local or the national level cannot be given a pass on the basis of a technicality or ulterior considerations.”