(Israel Government Press Office)

Yediot Aharonot notes that "Curses and threats upon Israel are a side effect of the 'Arab Spring' virus. It is a strange phenomenon. There is no Middle Eastern leader, moderate or radical, that does not threaten or curse Israel these days. The question is: Why? Why do Middle Eastern leaders threaten Israel when their countries are miserable, their economies collapsing, while they themselves are threatened by counter-revolution and the promises of reform, which they brought two years ago, have already withered? The answer lies within the body of the question." The author concludes that "There is a direct relation between the level of threats made against Israel and the weakness of the leader. The weaker he becomes, the more intense the threats. Leading the pack are the Iranians, the economy of which has already been half wiped out."

Ma'ariv says that "The primary characteristics of the regional reality at the start of 2013 are instability and complexity. Accordingly, the claim that Israel's strategic situation has improved is simplistic (not to say simply incorrect)." The author affirms that "One must not be mistaken: If ultimately Israel attacks, Iran and Hezbollah today already have a way to respond with heavy fire, to an extent in which 'Iron Dome' and 'The Arrow' will have difficulty coping."

Yisrael Hayom asserts that "The show which presents itself to the average Israeli constitutes, to a great – not full – extent, a return to the years in which the Prime Minister was chosen in direct elections. Then they voted for a candidate, but did not strengthen his party, but rather a sectarian faction that supported him. The bloc remained intact, but the central government broke apart. This time around, there are no direct elections for prime minister, but – de facto – there are."

The Jerusalem Post criticizes “The wantonly reckless decision by Transportation Minister Israel Katz last week to raise posted speed limits on select highways,” and asserts: “Based on experience, the decision will result in more deaths, and more disabling and crippling injuries, crushed limbs and permanent brain injuries.” The editor queries: “Should Katz not be held accountable for the inevitable loss of life and limb resulting from a decision that flies in the face of all the evidence?” and declares: “in the 21st century, road deaths should be redefined as unacceptable, just as 19th-century England redefined contaminated drinking water as unacceptable.”

Haaretz notes that “Habayit Hayehudi (The Jewish Home) is enjoying a spectacular rise in the polls, attracting secular and young voters,” and warns of the danger posed by the extreme Right. The editor cautions potential voters: “They must understand that they would be voting for a party that is much more extreme than the image it presents,” and concludes: “A dangerous ideology, intended to undermine democracy and the rule of law in Israel, lurks behind Bennett's smile.”

[Guy Bechor, Amir Rappaport and Dan Margalit wrote today’s articles in Ma'ariv, Yediot Aharonot and Yisrael Hayom respectively.]