(Israel Government Press Office)

Ma'ariv discusses the recent White House determination that "that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons on a small scale in Syria, specifically the chemical agent sarin," in light of US President Barack Obama's statement that the use of chemical weapons would constitute crossing a red line. The author says: "Obama's red line is, in effect, the point at which America will have no choice but to admit that it has no idea what to do," and adds: "The truth is that neither does Israel have any idea what to do as it becomes clear that the end of Assad is also liable to mean the end of 40 years of quiet on our border with Syria."

Yediot Aharonot refers to President Shimon Peres' meeting in Rome tomorrow with Pope Francis. The author notes that the new pontiff has, as of yet, held private meetings with very few heads of state and suggests that "Given the strict codes in the Vatican, a state in which no step – especially not a diplomatic one – is coincidental, the quick invitation to the President of the State of Israel is a message of historic importance vis-à-vis relations between the two states and the two faiths." The paper wonders how the meeting will affect the long-standing issues regarding the legal and financial status of Roman Catholic institutions in Israel.

Yisrael Hayom notes that some have objected to the fact that the four people featured on a new series of banknotes are all Ashkenazi Jews and says that someone with "appropriate sensitivity," would have chosen different criteria that would have enabled worthy representatives of other communities to be chosen as well.

Haaretz criticizes Finance Minister Yair Lapid’s decision to deliver his important speeches at a venue other than the Knesset plenum, even though it is an “uncomfortable place from which to deliver speeches.” The editor believes that by declaring that he will give his speeches elsewhere, “Lapid is expressing his new kind of politics. And it’s clearly not the democratic sort.” The editor asserts that “By deciding not to accord respect to the Knesset and not to deliver his important speeches there, Lapid is undercutting the role of the legislature,” and adds: “By evading the heckling and expressions of disagreement, he is undermining the parliamentary structure. The Knesset must not allow him to do that.”

The Jerusalem Post believes that “It may be time to rethink Lag Ba’omer,” and adds: “With environmental and safety concerns, the idea of bonfires being lit around the country needs to be rethought.” The editor calls on the rabbinate to encourage more modest celebrations involving small fires in controlled environments, and asserts: “If the chief rabbis fail to rise to the occasion, a politician, a rescue services officer, an environmentalist or an entire grassroots movement must step in and stop the madness.”