The Israeli daily Maariv published an editorial Thursday lamenting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's success in holding on to the reins of power instead of "leaving the keys, even temporarily." The editorial said the Prime Minister could have won more respect if he had allowed someone else to replace to him and possibly return to office if he is cleared of guilt in the current criminal probe against him.

Yediot Acharonot focused on Israel's water shortage, noting that the wealthy part of the population should visit public gardens instead of watering their own.