The BBC reports that Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim is visiting the West Bank for the first time in nearly a decade to work with young Palestinian musicians.

The Daily Telegraph reports that The Rock Pile, a film addressing the cultural and religious divisions in Jerusalem, will begin filming later this year.

The crisis over the lack of electricity in Gaza continues to feature across the Israeli media.

Yediot Ahronot reassures its readers that “Israel is not the problem in the case at hand, and not a single player in the international arena, including Israel’s greatest critics, has condemned Israel for the electricity crisis. Several countries, such as Sweden, Turkey and Egypt—‎as well as the UN are looking for a solution”. Maariv, based on Arab media sources, suggests that Egypt is ready to step in and supply electricity.  Israel Hayom quotes from a radio interview with Simha Goldin, the father of fallen Hadar, whose body is still being held by Hamas.  He argued Hamas should not receive electricity until the soldier’s bodies are returned.

Israel Hayom trails an in depth investigation into settlement construction, to be released on Friday. The report shows that as a result of the years of the settlement freeze there has been an increase in the ratio of construction outside the blocks.  Settler leader, ‎Yesha Council Chairman Avi Roeh states the demand for apartments in Judea and Samaria reaches about 11,000 housing units annually, while the supply stands at only about 6,500—‎mainly outside the settlement blocs.

Maariv reports a response from Al Jazeera’s bureau chief in Israel: “If an attempt is made to stop our activity in Israel and close our office here, we will petition the High Court of Justice. We reject all the allegations and the incitement campaign being waged against us.”‎

Haaretz reports the news that Israel is renewing full diplomatic relations with New Zealand. A crisis had erupted six months ago after New Zealand co-sponsored the UN resolution that called construction in the settlements in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem illegal.  Last week Netanyahu decided to restore Israel’‎s ambassador to Senegal over the same issue, after he met with the Senegalese President at a conference in Liberia.

Yediot Ahronot reports that the first female ultra-orthodox pilot will fly Prime Minister Netanyahu to Greece for a meeting today.

According to Kan radio news an agreement has been reached on advancing the nationality bill, which seeks to anchor Israel’s status as a Jewish state. In the latest version the status of Arabic language would not be harmed.

Kan radio news also notes that the London-based newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported that the UN is considering the option of arming the personnel of the multi-national force stationed in the Golan Heights, UNDOF, so that they will be able to defend themselves and civilians in the area where they operate.