The Financial Times online covers the visit of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Africa. During his tour Netanyahu is visiting four countries in an attempt to boost Israeli relations on the continent, especially in the economic and security fields. Yesterday, Netanyahu met with Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, who pledged to “champion” Israel’s position in Africa. Kenyatta also said that he would lobby to have Israel reinstated as an observer at the African Union, a position which was discontinued in 2002.

The i and the online edition of the Independent report claims that Israeli diplomatic pressure watered down a report issued last week by the Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia) on the prospects of advancing the peace process. The report said that both Israeli construction in the West Bank and Palestinian violence and incitement are obstacles to the process. However, anonymous European diplomats are quoted saying that in order to avoid direct confrontation with Israel, the report refrained from harsher criticism such as direct reference to West Bank settlements as “illegal”.

Meanwhile, the Sun and Daily Mail report that Labour MP Naz Shah has been reinstated to the party following an investigation. Two months ago, Shah was found to have made comments which suggested that Jewish Israelis should be relocated to the United States. She since made a public apology and has spoken to Jewish communities. However, Conservative MP Eric Pickles is quoted by the Sun saying that ending Shah’s suspension after two months is “far too quick”.

The online editions of the Times and Telegraph report that investigators have said that one of the Egypt Air pilots on duty when his plane crashed in May, killing all aboard, was attempting to extinguish a fire shortly before the crash. The new evidence indicates that the crash was more likely to have been an accident rather than a terror attack.

In the Israeli media, the top story in Maariv, which is also covered prominently in Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom, is the latest news from the trial of Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, who is accused of illegally killing a Palestinian attacker after he attempted to stab troops in Hebron. The soldier’s actions were caught on camera and he now faces an ongoing trial. Yesterday, Azaria’s father alleged that his son is being framed by more senior army personnel and made an impassioned plea, saying: “I only ask that there be a just trial.”

Israel Radio news covers comments made by US State Department spokesman John Kirby, who responded to news that Israel’s government has approved 800 housing units in the West Bank city of Ma’aleh Adumim and in East Jerusalem. Kirby said that such construction would undermine the prospects of a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, the top item in both Yediot Ahronot and Israel Hayom is the news from the United States that presumptive Democrat presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton will not face criminal charges over breach of security protocol during her time as US Secretary of State. The reports also note that President Barack Obama publicly campaigned in support of Clinton for the first time yesterday.

There is ongoing coverage, particularly in Israel Hayom and Israel Radio, of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s trip to Africa. He will today continue his tour by visiting Rwanda and tomorrow will be in Ethiopia, before returning to Israel on Friday.