1. OUTRAGE IN USA OVER PM'S REMARKS ABOUT IRAQ.

PM: World must be grateful for action in Iraq.

2. APPARENT: PRESIDENT KATSAV WILL NOT BE INDICTED FOR RAPE; INDICTMENT TO BE FILED BY MARCH 2007.

HATZOFEH

1. Disagreements between Olmert and Bush over how much time to give Iran.

BUSH TO OLMERT: DIPLOMATIC PROCESS WITH IRAN MUST BE EXHAUSTED FIRST.

"My approach is that we must work together in order to convince their government," US President explained.  Olmert, after meeting: Iran must understand that there will be consequences if it does not agree to compromise.

2. CRITICISM OF GOC INTELLIGENCE EXPECTED IN COMPLETE ALMOG COMMITTEE REPORT.

Yossi Peled: If lessons had been drawn from 2000 abduction, there would not have been another kidnapping.  PM expresses regret over Brig.-Gen. Hirsch's resignation.

3. PALESTINIAN AGREEMENT: MUHAMMAD SHABIR – UNITY PRIME MINISTER.

4. BOYCOTT BROKEN: KUWAIT TO SEND $30 MILLION TO PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT.

5. HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE REJECTS POLLARD'S APPEAL AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF RAFI EITAN AS MINISTER.

MA’ARIV

1. Chief-of-Staff sends message to IDF brass:

"I AM NOT RESIGNING."

Despite calls for his resignation, Halutz's confidants insist: "He has an elephant's skin; he has made it clear that he does not intend to leave."  But PM's confidants and IDF brass assess: Sooner or later Halutz will indeed resign.

2. OLMERT DOES NOT BACK CHIEF-OF-STAFF.

PM was asked – and was evasive.

YEDIOT AHRONOT

1. PM does not intervene in calls for Halutz's resignation.

OLMERT REFUSES TO BACK CHIEF-OF-STAFF.

Prime Minister, after meeting with Bush: I am convinced that US will block Iranian nuclear weapons project.

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SUMMARY OF EDITORIALS FROM THE HEBREW PRESS

Yediot Ahronot comments on Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's White House meeting with US President George Bush. The editor points out that while these meetings oft-times appear low-keyed, they can determine history.

Yediot Ahronot, in its second editorial, cites the adage, "Failure is not an orphan," to make a point about Brig.-Gen. Gal Hirsch, who resigned in the wake of the Almog report. Hirsch served for 25 years, almost always in positions which were difficult, sensitive and combat-oriented. The editors decry that he was targeted from the war's outset and that all the subsequent failures were placed on his shoulders. They thank Gal Hirsch profusely for his service and assert that he will not be the only one who leaves.

Yediot Ahronot, in its third editorial, comments on the participation of six Government ministers at the current US United Jewish Communities General Assembly in Los Angeles. The editors believe that the entire Israeli Government should appear on stage to thank the American Jewish community.

Hatzofeh asks why the Almog report did not go further and point a finger at Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz. There were early warnings that Hizbullah would attempt to kidnap soldiers, so why did Halutz not check that his divisions were ready? Defense Minister Amir Peretz should send Halutz home forthwith.

Hatzofeh, in its second editorial, refers to former Israel Police commander Alik Ron, who recently flew to France to participate in his niece's marriage to the son of a former South Lebanese Army veteran.

[Eitan Haber and Shaul Schiff wrote today’s editorials in Yediot Ahronot and Hatzofeh, respectively.]