1. NASRALLAH: HAD WE CORRECTLY ASSESSED THE SCOPE OF THE RESPONSE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO ABDUCTION.
2. PROTEST DISSIPATING: 45 PROTESTORS, 10 PETITIONS AND FOUR TENTS.
3. JUSTICE MINISTRY PROPOSES: DON’T EVACUATE WEST BANK OUTPOSTS.
HATZOFEH
1. NASRALLAH: NEGOTIATIONS BEING HELD ON RELEASE OF ABDUCTEES.
Says that if he had expected that war would break out following abduction of soldiers, he would not have kidnapped them.
2. RESERVISTS PROTEST ARRIVES IN TEL AVIV.
3. FRENCH SOLDIERS ARRIVE IN LEBANON.
4. DEFENSE MINISTRY DEMANDING NIS 30 BILLION.
5. PALESTINIANS RELEASE TWO FOX NEWS JOURNALISTS.
MA’ARIV
1. In surprising interview, Nasrallah declares: Kidnapping was a mistake.
REGRET SPEECH.
Hizbullah leader declares: „If I had known where the kidnapping of the soldiers would lead, I would not have embarked on the operation.” Nasrallah promised that his people would not carry weapons and confirmed – there are contacts on captives deal. Cost of war: NIS 30 billion. Compensation: NIS 50 for every day of reserve duty.
2. OLMERT TENDING: NO STATE COMMISSION.
Will suffice with government commission with expanded authority. State Comptroller issues sharp report against Olmert’s appointments.
YEDIOT AHRONOT
1. Nasrallah learns lessons from war:
I WAS WRONG.
Hizbullah leader to Lebanese people: If I could have guessed strength of Israeli response – I would not have abducted the two soldiers.
2. TODAY: OLMERT TO ANNOUNCE ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.
Commission will examine functioning of political and military leaderships during war. Senior public figure to chair committee.
3. SHORTENING OF COMPULSORY SERVICE FROZEN.
Due to war in Lebanon.
4. FINANCE MINISTRY: WE WILL HURT WEAKER STRATA
if channeling of NIS 30 billion to army is approved.
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SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS
Yediot Ahronot asserts that, „Renewed confidence in leadership will not spring from ‘more of the same’ (Bibi, Barak) but from a creative solution,” and suggests the consideration of some kind of upper parliamentary house.
Hatzofeh comments on Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah latest remarks and urges Israelis to treat him with due caution and to remember that, „Hizbullah continues to be Israel’s true enemy in southern Lebanon.”
Yediot Ahronot, in its second editorial, refers to the unsettled state of Kadima, Labor and the Likud and notes the volatility of public opinion. The editors suggest that, „Alternatives are acquired only with moderation and seriousness.”
Yediot Ahronot, in its third editorial, suggests Likud Chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s next President.
BreuerPress-info
