Bezalel Smotrich

As the final outcome of the U.S. presidential election remains unconfirmed, leaders of Israel's right-wing joint Knesset list, "Religious Zionism," have expressed optimism and anticipation of a Donald Trump victory.

The Israeli Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, welcomed the Labor Court’s decision to end the strike, stating on social media that the court agreed with him that the strike was “political and illegal.” According to Israeli media, Smotrich was responsible for filing an injunction against the strike in court.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his finance minister have rescinded their intention to impose a full embargo on imports from Türkiye, including those destined for the Palestinian Authority, according to an Israeli newspaper.

The European Union's top diplomat has said the bloc should consider sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for comments he said constitute "incitement to war crimes."

Türkiye has condemned Israel's plans to recognize settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank legally.

"The decisions taken by Israel to 'legalize' some settlement outposts and to 'approve' new housing units in the occupied West Bank are flagrant violations of international law," said a Foreign Ministry statement issued on July 5.

Israel's announcement to purportedly legalize five settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank and the issuance of tenders for thousands of illegal housing units in the area face global condemnations.

In a post published on his official X account on June 29, U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland denounced the measure as "deeply concerning."

Israel's Prime Minister has dissolved the six-member military cabinet, marking a significant development following the resignation of Benny Gantz, a centrist and former general.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Thursday said Israel would abolish its free trade agreement with Turkey and also impose a 100% tariff on other imports from Turkey in retaliation for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's decision to halt exports to Israel.

The plan, he said, would be submitted to the cabinet for approval.

Israel's recent approval of plans to construct 3,500 housing units in the occupied West Bank has ignited international criticism, with a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemning the move as alarming.

Egypt's foreign ministry on Monday condemned as "disgraceful" and "irresponsible" comments by Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who claimed Cairo has "considerable responsibility" for Hamas's Oct. 7 attack.