(Government Press Office)
The Jerusalem Post states that the fact that the Jewish people have sovereignty and the chance to enjoy a civilizational renascence in this land after a millennium in exile is - quite literally - a miracle. The editor concludes with the hope that God may shine His countenance upon us and navigate us safely through the next 60 years, and beyond.
Haaretz concludes that despite the new investigation of the Prime Minister, Israel is stronger than its ills. Aspirations of the majority of Israelis for peace have genuine partners in the Arab world. The editor concludes: "If the gauntlet is picked up on both sides, perhaps we will finally see that same new Middle East that the president of the state has praised so highly."
Ma'ariv strongly criticizes the gag order on details surrounding the latest police investigation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert given that the American press has picked up the story. The editors note that "Israelis are barred from knowing what any American can read in the paper," and remind their readers that "On internet sites in Israel, the possibilities are limitless."
Yediot Aharonot comments on Independence Day, which begins tonight: "One day a year – today! – our 60th birthday, we are entitled to pat ourselves on the back and tell the extremists to go to hell. We know that there is a lot to fix and improve, and we will continue to do so as of next Sunday morning. Until then…this is our day."
[Eitan Haber and Natan Zehavi wrote today’s articles in Yediot Aharonot and Ma'ariv, respectively. Makor Rishon-Hatzofeh was unavailable today.]