The Jerusalem Post  comments on the hypocrisy of the International Criminal Court and laments that it “could have been a transformative body.” The editor asserts: “There are a number of problems with the ICC, but its most fundamental is its inability to differentiate between good and bad,” and concludes: “Tragically, a judicial body that could have been a force of good has not only proved ineffectual at fighting evil, it has been taken over by an anti-Western agenda that has led it to confuse good with evil.’

Haaretz believes that had Israel acted in a wiser manner, it could have avoided the brewing ICC storm. The editor opines: “The Palestinians' bid at The Hague was not preordained. Israel should have realized that not all the cards were up its own sleeve, and instead seen a partner in Abbas,” and remarks that “The front along which Mahmoud Abbas has chosen to confront Israel presents a new strategy, diplomatic and not military, which will grant the Palestinians a status that is equal to that enjoyed by other states.” The editor asserts: “The woeful cries coming from the Prime Minister’s Office are no substitute for a policy, and punitive measures against the Palestinians for pursuing a diplomatic struggle aimed at obtaining their rights can end up being yet another step that further deteriorates Israel’s international standing.”

Yediot Aharonot comments on expected Hezbollah retaliation in response to the assassination of several senior commanders in Syria yesterday, and asserts: “Hezbollah cannot let the deaths of five of its people pass by in silence, but it will hesitate to act in a way that will entangle it in a large-scale confrontation with Israel.” The author adds: “The question is what will happen in this attempt at payback, and how Israel will respond,” and concludes: “One way or another, the IDF will further increase intelligence activity over the coming days.”

Yisrael Hayom criticizes US President Obama’s lack of understanding of the European problem with extreme Islam, and their problems integrating the Muslim population. The author asserts: “It seems like Obama, even after six years as president, is having difficulty understanding the processes taking place in the world,”  and speculates: “maybe it is difficult for him to detach from the idyllic reality he has constructed.” 

Globes op-ed was not available today.