Summary of Editorials from the Hebrew Press

Two newspapers discuss the inauguration of President Peres:

Makor Rishon-Hatzofeh believes that some of President Shimon Peres' remarks in his inaugural address were partisan and, "ill-befitted someone who championed national unity in such an impressive speech."

Yediot Aharonot notes Shimon Peres' achievements and qualifications but suggests that, "Israel could have also found someone better."

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Haaretz attacks the new Interior Minister's declaration that he will put a complete stop to the entry of foreign workers and states that "There is no need to change Israel's immigration laws, only to enforce the existing legislation. There is no need to deport those sneaking into Israel, only to seal the border".

The Jerusalem Post discusses the recent speech made by US President Bush regarding the formation of a Palestinian state, declaring that while the speech had some positive points, the West - even the US - is still in code stage regarding the Palestinian "right of return." This needs to change, the editor claims, adding that "it is difficult to promote peace without speaking clearly about the key obstacle to peace".

Ma'ariv says that Hezbollah has erred in its assumptions about Israel and, "mistakenly interprets openness and a lack of unity as weakness." The editors suggest that more than a few Israelis are similarly mistaken about our society.

[Amos Carmel and Ofer Shelah wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot and Ma'ariv, respectively.]