(Israel Government Press Office)

Ma'ariv says that publicists and analysts identified with what it derides as "old politics" have been relentless in their attacks on Naftali Bennett and Yesh Atid because the latter have "broken all of the old rules," in their effort to establish a new political culture. The author notes that the two parties have much in common and urges them to resist "those who would try to forcefully drag them to the old, loathsome politics."

Yediot Aharonot urges against any cut in the higher education budget and says that "Spending on higher education is an outstanding investment in the future of the state and its ability to grow." The author believes that "Brain power is still our single most significant natural resource," and urges the next Education Minister to take a strong position against any cut in expenditures on higher education.

Yisrael Hayom comments on the likelihood that Shas and United Torah Judaism will not be part of the coalition now being formed and says that "In contrast to the prevalent mood in Israeli politics, being in the coalition is not a prize and being in the opposition is not a punishment." The author notes that Yesh Atid and the Jewish Home have never said that they are boycotting the ultra-orthodox parties per se and points out that it is Shas and United Torah Judaism that are refusing to accept the policies being outlined by Yesh Atid and Jewish Home on IDF service, contribution to the state, education reform, etc. The paper regrets that "The ultra-orthodox parties are unwilling to be partners in shaping a new path and asserts: "The claim that the ultra-orthodox parties being in the opposition is an expression of a boycott and hatred towards them is baseless; being in the opposition expresses a basic political and ideological disagreement, and this is legitimate."

The Jerusalem Post comments on the across-the-board cut in America’s fiscal budget and the consequent reduction in military aid to Israel, and notes that “The IDF will have to hunker down to meet its acquisition plans for several military systems.” The editor opines that “we should not shy away from playing our part in helping to reduce the US’s rapidly ballooning debt,” and is hopeful that “The Jewish state might even come out of the sequestration ordeal stronger and more independent.”

Haaretz perceives the new separate bus lines for Palestinians who travel into Israel and Jews in the territories as “New routes to racism,” and states: “The Transportation Ministry claims the lines are meant to ease travel conditions for the Palestinians, but they’re actually another manifestation of a regime based on discrimination and segregation.” The editor asserts: “Occupied territory is meant to be managed by the occupying state as a temporary trust for the benefit of the local population,” and calls on the prime minister to “immediately put a stop to this racist segregation.”