(Israel Government Press Office)

Two papers discuss the various political parties' election broadcasts, which began yesterday:

Ma'ariv complains that "The existing formula of election broadcasts is superfluous, annoying and contributes nothing. We deserve more serious attention from party leaders."

Yisrael Hayom also criticizes the broadcasts. The author writes: "I do not remember such a confused, superficial and flat election campaign like the one in which we find ourselves; a collection of reality show auditions with accompanying personalities. There is no consideration given to Israel's core problems in the social, economic and defense sphere." The author asserts, "In the State of Israel there live some of the smartest people in the world.  Please, politicians, give a bit more credit to their common sense and to their capacity to remember."

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Yediot Aharonot claims that US President Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense portends a more restraining American attitude toward Israel vis-à-vis any possible action against Iran.

The Jerusalem Post welcomes the plentiful rains with which the country has been blessed this winter after years of drought, but regrets that “along with rain’s many blessings have come casualties and damage caused by wet roads, flooding and felled trees.” The editor states that “a serious reevaluation of Israel’s preparedness for inclement weather is in order,” and concludes: “Higher-than-average rainfalls should be nothing but a blessing.”

Haaretz comments on the dispute that has erupted within the health system over the question of whether a doctor is entitled to refuse to treat an HIV carrier, and worries that “Refusal to treat HIV patients could prove to be a slippery slope that leads to refusals to treat other diseases, or certain people.” The editor notes that the Patient's Rights Law forbids any discrimination in medical care, and asserts: “the [Israel Medical Association] must issue the following ruling quickly: Every doctor is obligated to treat every patient.”

[Roi Lachmanovitch, Haim Shain and Eitan Haber wrote today’s articles in Ma'ariv, Yisrael Hayom and Yediot Aharonot respectively.]