(Israel Government Press Office)

Yisrael Hayom notes that Judge David Rozen likened bribery and corruption to treason. The author asserts that "Judge Rozen's sentence is a welcomed revolution. It will reverberate for many years."

The Jerusalem Post commends Tel Aviv District Court Judge David Rozen for speaking out courageously and unambiguously, and points out that the sentencing shows that “no one – not even the most well-connected politicians in the nation – is above the law.” Noting that this is the first time a man who served as prime minister will be incarcerated, the editor asserts: “This should cause us both shame and pride – shame that such a senior, respected and popular politician could be corrupt; and pride because our law enforcement system did not balk at meting out the appropriate punishment.”

Haaretz states: “In his sentencing of the prime minister and six other defendants, Judge David Rozen sent a warning to public officials.” The editor asserts: “something big happened in Israel yesterday. A court sent a former prime minister to prison and convicted him of moral turpitude,” and declares: “Israel’s citizens, who have already seen mayors, Knesset members, cabinet ministers and a president sent to prison in shame, deserve a government free of the taint of corruption.”

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Ma'ariv discusses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reported desire to reconsider the institution of the presidency and alleges that it stems from his strong aversion to Likud MK Reuven Rivlin's candidacy. The author also suggests that "He [the Prime Minister] fears that no president – whoever is elected – will charge him with forming a new government after the next elections because no party other than the Likud will recommend him for the job." The paper declares: "Let it be said again: It is completely legitimate and even desirable to hold a discussion on whether or not Israel needs a symbolic-representative president at all, or whether it should move to a presidential system. It is no less legitimate and desirable to discuss the powers of the president, if the office will continue to exist in its current format. But it is neither legitimate nor logical to discuss the issue when the race for the presidency is nearing the finish line, and to do a deal, via lightning legislation, to postpone the election of a president by several months during which the future of the presidency is to be discussed. Such a move is hasty, disingenuous and illogical, and does a disservice to this high office."

Yediot Aharonot refers to the continuing debate over the defense budget. The author accuses the defense establishment "of having no interest in Israeli society's other needs, including those in education, social welfare and infrastructure," and reminds his readers that "Every year the military receives more and every year it is not satisfied with the budgetary increase and demands – and receives – a giant supplement over and beyond its budget, without any real discussion." The paper complains that every year the defense establishment "howls and warns of an apocalypse if its demands are not met at once, and every year the little civilians concede in a panic."