(Israel Government Press Office)

Ma'ariv refutes the oft-heard claim that Tel Aviv is a kind of bubble, a city unto itself that is out of synch with the greater Israel and says that "Today's demonstration in Jerusalem by ultra-orthodox Jews is a bubble inside a bubble inside a bubble into which Israeliness cannot penetrate."

Yediot Aharonot comments on the situation in Ukraine and says: "When the Ukrainian revolution brought about a takeover by pro-Western forces, Russia had no choice but to react. The political and strategic damage, as well as the damage to Russia's image, was too great – and the only open question was how it would try to restore the situation." The author, a former Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, adds, "The answer was provided over the weekend."

Yisrael Hayom discusses the relationship between Israel and Hezbollah. The author believes that "Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is interested in a confrontation," but warns: "As has occurred in the past, even carefully calculated moves could get out of control and lead to a deterioration and escalation." The paper suggests: "In such a case it is important to recall that while [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah may be at a political nadir at home, his missiles are – at the same time – aimed at Israel," and concludes: "His situation has never been better."

The Jerusalem Post comments on the decision of Bank of Israel Governor Karnit Flug to reduce interest rates by 0.25% (to 0.75%), and notes that this is “the expected and conventional response to a set of disquieting economic indicators both at home and abroad.” The editor believes that “The BOI, like all other central banks, must foremost be vigilant about short-range impact, even though the tiny drop in interest rates is unlikely to produce any drastic consequences for the chief economic players,” and concludes: “In the final analysis, Flug has shown that she essentially subscribes to the groupthink of her counterparts abroad, whose record, alas, is not all that impressive.”

Haaretz is critical of Israel's "shameful silence" on the anti-gay law passed in Uganda, which has been denounced by the UN, the United States and many other countries, and states: “The country that purports to be the ‘chosen people’ and a ‘light unto the nations’ cannot prefer its own interests over all other just causes.” The editor asserts: “Israel must announce that it is reexamining its relations with Uganda in light of the new legislation and make clear that if the law is not annulled, it will result in a real change in the ties between the two countries.”