In Israel, incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sealed a coalition deal with the ultranationalist Religious Zionism party, bringing Netanyahu closer to securing his new extremist government. Under the deal, the Religious Zionism party will take control of Israel’s Finance Ministry and will oversee the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In related news, Israel’s incoming national security minister, far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir, received a warm welcome Thursday at an event hosted by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. Ben-Gvir was previously convicted of racist incitement against Arabs and supporting a terrorist group.