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MADRID – Spanish health authorities announced Tuesday night they will allow the cruise vessel MV Hondius to dock in the Canary Islands following a hantavirus outbreak on board, citing both legal obligations and humanitarian concerns.

Medical personnel will conduct health evaluations and provide treatment to all individuals aboard the ship before coordinating their transportation back to their respective home nations, according to an official statement.

Health ministry officials explained that Cape Verde lacks the necessary resources to handle the medical emergency. “The Canary Islands are the closest location with the necessary capabilities,” the ministry stated. “Spain has a moral and legal obligation to assist these people, among whom are also several Spanish citizens.”

The World Health Organization had previously indicated that Cape Verde was not equipped to manage the complex medical operation required for the affected cruise ship.

Most Israelis oppose concluding their nation’s conflict with Iran, citing concerns that peace under present circumstances would undermine national security objectives, according to new polling data from the Israel Democracy Institute released May 5, 2026.

The research revealed that 59% of survey participants considered terminating the war as having minimal or no alignment with Israel’s security requirements. The demographic breakdown showed approximately two-thirds of Jewish participants shared this perspective, while nearly half of Arab participants held the contrasting viewpoint.

Additionally, 62% of those surveyed anticipated a high probability of renewed large-scale hostilities with Iran, while only 30% viewed such prospects as unlikely.

The data indicates a significant erosion in public morale. Confidence regarding Israel’s national defense dropped from 47% in March to 39% in April, marking some of the poorest ratings documented in recent polling. Faith in social unity similarly decreased from 30% to 22.5%. However, perspectives on democratic institutions and economic prospects showed no significant change.

The study also evaluated public sentiment about Israel’s general direction. Among all participants, 44.5% believed the nation had achieved more victories than setbacks, representing a decrease from 48% the previous year and an 18.5 percentage point drop since 2020.

Regarding regional relations, participants showed pessimism about Lebanon. Approximately three-quarters considered the possibility of establishing a lasting diplomatic-security framework with Lebanon’s government, including Hezbollah’s disarmament, as unlikely or impossible.

Views on foreign influence over Israeli policy also evolved. A majority of 51% believed the US administration wielded more control over Israel’s defense choices than Israel’s own government, increasing from 44% in October 2025, while those crediting greater influence to Israel’s leadership fell to 18%.

International relations concerns were prominent, with 72% of participants describing diminishing American public support as moderately or highly troubling.

Regarding long-range security approaches, most participants emphasized equal importance of military capability and diplomatic solutions. For immediate priorities, support for emphasizing military force decreased to 28.5%, while backing for diplomatic initiatives increased to 30.5%.

The poll also covered domestic matters. A plurality believed security agencies handled settler violence against Palestinians with excessive leniency, a sentiment that grew among Jewish participants to 46%.

The research was carried out April 26-30, 2026 by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research, surveying 601 Jewish and 150 Arab participants representing Israel’s adult population aged 18 and older.

President Donald Trump avoided giving a direct response Tuesday when questioned about whether Iran had breached a ceasefire agreement following consecutive attacks on the United Arab Emirates using missiles and unmanned aircraft.

Officials with the UAE’s Defense Ministry confirmed their air defense systems confronted incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drone aircraft. While many of the weapons were successfully intercepted, military leaders characterized the consecutive assaults as a direct threat to the nation’s security.

When reporters in the Oval Office pressed Trump on whether these actions violated the ceasefire terms, he remained evasive. “You’ll find out because I’ll let you know when they do,” Trump told a reporter in the Oval Office. “They know what not to do.” He continued, “They should do the smart thing because we don’t want to go in and kill people.”

N12 news reported that Trump nearly authorized additional military strikes on Friday but changed his decision after Iran presented a revised proposal to end hostilities. The same report indicated he subsequently rejected Iran’s proposal.

American government sources indicate Trump faces mounting pressure from external advisers to restart military operations, while emphasizing his current preference for diplomatic solutions. However, these same officials cautioned that if negotiations continue to stall in the near future, Trump stands ready to greenlight a brief but intensive military campaign to break the current deadlock.

In a separate development, PressTV announced Iran has established what it calls “a new mechanism to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.” Under this system, ships intending to pass through the waterway must receive regulatory notifications via email and secure permits before proceeding.

“We warn all vessels planning to transit the Strait of Hormuz that the only safe passage is the corridor previously announced by Iran. Any diversion of ships to other routes is dangerous and will result in a firm response from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards navy,” according to a statement broadcast on state television.

During a military ceremony for air force leadership changes, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated Tuesday: “We are closely monitoring the events in the Persian Gulf; we are prepared to respond with force against any attempt to harm Israel.”

CNN reported, citing an Israeli official, that Israel is coordinating with the United States to prepare for potential new strikes against Iran. The official explained that most plans were developed prior to the early April ceasefire and would target energy facilities and high-ranking Iranian officials through targeted killings. The official added: “The intention will be to carry out a short campaign aimed at pressuring Iran into further concessions in negotiations.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly condemned the spread of an artificially generated photograph depicting her in an intimate bedroom setting wearing undergarments, calling it a political assault against her on Tuesday.

The prime minister posted the questionable image on her Facebook page, along with what appeared to be a social media user named Roberto’s post that included the fake photo and suggested Meloni should feel “ashamed” of herself.

Meloni cautioned against distributing such manipulated content on social platforms without first confirming their authenticity.

“Deepfakes are a dangerous tool because they can deceive, manipulate and target anyone. I can defend myself. Many others cannot,” she cautioned in her Facebook statement.

Officials have not confirmed whether Meloni plans to file a complaint with authorities, despite encouragement from followers responding to her post. She did note with some humor that the digitally altered image “actually made me look a lot better.”

“But the fact remains that, in order to attack and fabricate lies, people will now use absolutely anything,” she stated.

This marks another instance where Italy’s first female prime minister’s image has sparked controversy. Earlier this year in February, a church-state dispute emerged when a cherub sculpture resembling Meloni was discovered in a Roman cathedral.

At that time, Meloni responded with humor to the comparison.

“No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” she posted on social media, including a laughing emoji next to a picture of the artwork.

VENICE, Italy (AP) — The world’s most prestigious contemporary art exhibition opened Tuesday in unprecedented turmoil, with the Venice Biennale’s 61st edition marked by the extraordinary resignation of its judging panel over disputes involving Israeli and Russian participation.

The controversy has shaken the foundation of this centuries-old cultural institution, creating a powder keg atmosphere as artists and visitors navigate competing political tensions within the exhibition’s historic gardens.

The stark divisions were on full display as Ukrainian artists positioned themselves beside a truck carrying an origami deer sculpture transported from Ukraine’s war-torn eastern regions to the Biennale’s famous Giardini venue. Nearby, Russian pavilion participants danced to electronic music spun by an Argentine DJ.

Meanwhile, Palestinian demonstrators marched through the gardens wearing tags bearing the names of artists killed in Gaza, with additional protests anticipated throughout the preview period.

These events have challenged the Biennale’s traditional format — featuring 100 country pavilions alongside a curated showcase of 110 artists and artistic collectives — and reignited debates about whether national representation remains relevant in today’s interconnected art world, or if it simply provides governments with propaganda opportunities.

Marie Helene Pereira, serving as one of five curators for the main exhibition titled “In Minor Keys,” believes the current upheaval demonstrates that “the existence of the nation state within the space of the exhibition” faces serious challenges.

“We can see how much that can bring tension, especially in the midst of the political chaos we find our selves,” Pereira stated.

Pereira, who joined four other curators in continuing the work of Koyo Kouoh following her death during exhibition preparations last year, emphasized that it was “important to be able to rethink structure, rethink institutions, in a way that allows for them to cater more to artists and artmaking.”

However, she clarified that removing politics from art entirely wasn’t the solution.

Before stepping down, the jury had announced it would withhold awards from nations whose leaders face International Court of Justice investigations, specifically targeting Russia and Israel.

The resignation received mixed reactions from participants. Israeli artist Belu-Simion Fainaru called the decision “a fair one.”

“I should be treated as an equal artist, and I should not be discriminated because of my race, that I am a Jew, and not because of my nationality or passport. I have to be seen as I am. I am an artist that wants to show my art, and I have the right to be evaluated,” he explained while standing before his Kabbalah-inspired installation.

According to Fainaru, the Biennale should serve as “a place where you can feel safe to create and do whatever you believe in.”

Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadryova developed “The Origami Deer” as a replacement for a Soviet nuclear-capable fighter aircraft that previously occupied a park in Pokrovsk, located in Ukraine’s Donbas area.

Ukrainian Pavilion organizers — presenting their third exhibition since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion — removed the sculpture from the park in 2024 while fighting raged just 5 kilometers away.

Co-curator Ksenia Malykh strongly criticized the Biennale’s choice to permit Russia’s pavilion opening, describing it as “a false attempt to stay neutral.”

“You can’t stay neutral in these times. You can’t be neutral when people are dying every day because of Russians,” Malykh declared.

“Nobody is talking about their art,” she continued. “They are only talking about the statement that they are here, and I am absolutely sure this was their goal.”

Russian representatives will limit their pavilion access to preview attendees through Friday, closing to general audiences when the Biennale begins its 6½-month public run Saturday. The pavilion has scheduled various performances this week and maintained an open bar upstairs near a blooming tree.

Russian organizers declined interview requests.

Russia’s participation has cost the Venice Biennale 2 million euros ($2.3 million) in European Union funding over three years. Exhibition officials have justified their decision by stating that any nation maintaining diplomatic relations with Italy may operate a pavilion, creating tension with the Italian government in Rome.

The official catalog featured a placeholder entry where Russian content should appear, noting that Russia’s involvement remained “under review” during publication.

Without a professional jury, the prestigious Golden Lion awards for best national pavilion and best main exhibition participant — prizes that have earned the Biennale comparisons to art’s Olympics — will not be distributed.

Instead, visitors to the Giardini and Arsenale locations will select two winners for best national and main show participants, with results announced November 22 at the Biennale’s conclusion.

Ukrainian curator Malykh argued that eliminating professionally judged awards undermines the Biennale’s credibility.

“It’s an important moment. If the prize is given by the public… It’s not a professional institution after that,” Malykh concluded.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed Tuesday his selection of former Supreme Court Justice Louise Arbour to fill the role of the nation’s upcoming governor general.

The position serves as the official representative of King Charles III of Britain. As Canada remains part of the Commonwealth, the British monarch continues to hold the ceremonial position of head of state.

According to Carney, King Charles has given his approval to the appointment based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.

“I will have an opportunity to have very in-depth conversations with Arbour in private on issues that affect Canada and the rest of the world,” Carney said.

While the governor general holds significant constitutional responsibilities, the position primarily functions in a ceremonial and symbolic capacity. Carney’s choice represents a Francophone selection for the role.

When questioned about whether she views herself as a monarchist, Arbour responded in French that she “doesn’t really know what that term is supposed to mean” while expressing her backing of the existing governmental structure.

“I will be the representative of the Crown in a constitutional arrangement that has served Canada extremely well throughout our history, even more in recent decades. I think a system that will continue to provide continuity in our institutions and form of governance,” she said.

Arbour is set to succeed Mary Simon, who made history as Canada’s first Indigenous governor general and will complete her five-year appointment in July.

Carney described the 79-year-old Arbour as an internationally recognized legal expert, judicial figure, and champion of human rights and justice. Her judicial career included appointments to the Supreme Court of Ontario, Ontario’s Court of Appeal, and Canada’s Supreme Court.

The United Nations selected her in 1996 to serve as Chief Prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals addressing the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Under her leadership, the tribunals achieved the first genocide conviction since the 1948 Genocide Convention and issued the first war crimes indictment against a serving head of state.

From 2017 to 2018, she held the position of U.N. Special Representative for International Migration.

Following American independence from Britain, Canada continued under colonial rule until 1867, then maintained its constitutional monarchy featuring a British-style parliamentary government system.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations is weighing a new resolution that would impose sanctions and other punitive actions against Iran unless it stops attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, ceases charging unauthorized fees, and reveals where it has placed mines to restore safe passage through the waterway.

The draft measure, backed by the United States and Gulf region countries and acquired by The Associated Press on Tuesday, also calls on Iran to “immediately participate in and enable” UN initiatives to create a humanitarian passage through the strait for delivering essential aid, fertilizer and other supplies.

This represents the most recent diplomatic push by America and its Gulf partners following a weakened resolution designed to reopen the strait that was blocked by China and Russia just hours before Washington and Tehran declared a temporary ceasefire in early April.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz informed reporters that he expects this new, focused proposal will secure enough backing to pass the 15-member council without sparking resistance or a veto from Iran’s supporters.

The United States and Gulf countries introduced this new draft while the Trump administration works to reestablish safe navigation through the strait, which transported roughly 20% of global crude oil supplies before the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign on February 28. An unstable ceasefire continues to hold.

The proposed measure, written under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter which allows for military enforcement, warns of “effective measures that are commensurate with the gravity of the situation, including sanctions” should Iran fail to comply.

The resolution confirms all nations’ rights to protect their ships from attacks and hostile actions, while directing other countries not to help Iran in blocking the strait or imposing fees.

The draft text also “welcomes ongoing efforts to deconflict and coordinate safe and secure transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz, expresses support for ongoing efforts to seek a durable peace in the region, and encourages member states in the region to strengthen dialogue and consultations in this regard.”

BERLIN – Leaders within German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government committed Tuesday to working through their disagreements on major policy reforms following weeks of internal conflict that has raised questions about the administration’s stability.

With Wednesday marking one year since Merz took office as chancellor, both his personal approval numbers and support for his conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) along with their coalition partners, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD), have dropped to historic lows.

Finance Minister and SPD leader Lars Klingbeil acknowledged the political damage during a press briefing. “There’s no point in trying to get around it: trust in politics has declined,” Klingbeil stated. “The dispute, and particularly the heated debate of recent weeks, has also done us harm as a coalition and as a government.”

Germany’s economy showed signs of recovery late last year after enduring two years of recession, but that fragile growth now faces threats from energy disruptions caused by conflict with Iran and new American tariffs affecting the country’s automotive sector, which already faces intense pressure from Chinese competitors.

Recent polling data reveals the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leading the CDU by as much as five percentage points, while the SPD finds itself competing with the opposition Green party for third place following poor showings in two state elections this year.

A forthcoming survey in the business publication Handelsblatt indicates that 73% of German citizens question Merz’s ability to handle economic matters – an area previously considered among his strongest qualifications.

When Merz assumed power twelve months ago, he promised to strengthen Germany’s military capabilities after years of underfunding and to reform the country’s pension, tax, welfare and healthcare systems to address mounting fiscal pressures.

However, these anticipated reforms have stalled due to disagreements between the SPD and CDU regarding tax policy, spending priorities and social welfare programs, with both parties blaming each other for refusing to find middle ground.

Resistance from members of Merz’s own party forced him to retreat on pension reform proposals late last year, leading him to establish a special commission to develop new recommendations in order to avoid a parliamentary defeat.

Critical decisions about retirement age requirements, contribution rates and benefit amounts remain unresolved.

The country’s statutory health insurance program, which faces funding shortfalls projected to reach tens of billions of euros in the coming years, also requires attention, along with long-awaited tax changes designed to boost employment and stimulate investment.

Government officials have highlighted increased defense expenditures and significant reductions in unauthorized immigration and asylum approvals over the past year as notable accomplishments. However, economic weakness and reform disputes have overshadowed these positive developments.

CDU parliamentary leader Jens Spahn expressed frustration with the coalition’s public image. “Many of our achievements have been overshadowed by too much public controversy and squabbling, particularly in the weeks since Easter,” Spahn commented.

“We must and want to break free from it and return to working together within this coalition,” he added.

A blaze at a shopping complex in the western outskirts of Tehran left at least 10 people injured on Tuesday, according to reports from Iranian news outlets.

Fire department officials told Iran’s state television network IRIB that crews had “largely contained” the flames.

Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fire, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

Video footage broadcast by Iranian news organizations, including Fars, captured thick smoke billowing from the shopping center.

Reuters confirmed the incident’s location by matching structural features, power lines, vegetation and street patterns visible in the footage with archived photographs and satellite images of the area.

The shopping center fire occurred amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, as a delicate ceasefire faces new strain following Monday’s military exchanges between the two nations.

The United Arab Emirates announced Monday that Iran has renewed its military strikes against UAE territory, including cruise missile attacks and a drone assault targeting oil facilities near Fujairah, while the United States works to restore commercial shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz amid an unstable ceasefire.

According to the UAE Defense Ministry, Iran fired four cruise missiles at the country, with three successfully intercepted by defense systems and one falling harmlessly into ocean waters. Officials in Fujairah reported that a blaze erupted at the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone following what they characterized as a drone assault launched from Iran. Emergency response crews were dispatched to battle the flames. Tehran has not yet responded to the Fujairah incident allegations.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations center, operated by British military officials, documented two commercial cargo ships catching fire off the UAE coastline. In a separate incident, South Korean authorities confirmed that an explosion and fire occurred on a South Korean-operated vessel anchored in the strait, though no crew members were harmed. The UAE also claimed Iran used drones to attack an unloaded tanker connected to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company while it traveled through the waterway.

These attacks occurred while US Central Command announced that two American-flagged commercial ships had successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz as part of a new American initiative to restore normal shipping operations. President Donald Trump warned Sunday that Iranian disruption of this effort “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”

Iranian military officials condemned the US initiative and issued threats against international forces attempting to enter the strait. “We warn that any foreign military force — especially the aggressive U.S. military — that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.

The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, serves as one of the globe’s most crucial pathways for oil and natural gas transportation. UAE officials have previously stated that Iranian strikes against infrastructure and civilian locations breach the nation’s sovereignty and endanger regional stability.

A commemorative wall painting honoring young victims of Middle Eastern violence will be revealed in Israel, featuring the children through the symbolic imagery of a soccer game, according to organizers and creator Hooman Khalili.

The artwork depicts Druze youth wearing green jerseys, representing the dozen children who lost their lives when a Hezbollah rocket struck Majdal Shams on July 27, 2024, as they played soccer. They face children dressed in red, symbolizing minors who died in Iran following September 2022. The young people are shown as teammates rather than opponents.

Positioned above the soccer scene is Zahra Azadpour, a young female soccer player who died during Iranian civil unrest in January 2026, depicted serving as the game’s referee.

The memorial artwork features landmarks from both regions, including Nabi Shu’ayb (Jethro’s Tomb) located in the Galilee region and Tehran’s Azadi Tower, combined with the Lion and Sun emblem, which project organizers say symbolizes strength and cultural identity.

The Druze victims remembered in the memorial are Fajr Laith, Ameer Rabeea, Hazem Akram, Wadeea Ibrahim, Iseel Nashaat, Yazan Nayeif, Finis Adham, Alma Ayman, Naji Taher, Milad Muadad, and Nathem Fakher.

Iranian youth honored in the piece include Kian Pirfalak, Sarina Esmailzadeh, Nika Shakarami, Asra Panahi, Mohammad Eghbal, Hasti Narouei, Mona Naghib, Helen Ahmadi, Ali Rezaei, and Mirshekar Abolfazl, among others.

The project information references Amnesty International findings that Iranian security personnel killed children during demonstrations through gunfire, metal projectiles, and physical violence, with officials later trying to hide these incidents and intimidate grieving families.

Creator Hooman Khalili shared with The Media Line: “I see these murals and banners as the roots of something much bigger. The roots are here in Israel—but my hope is that the tree will grow and fully blossom in the United States.”

Khalili continued, “My prayer is to have this mural installed in the US before or during the FIFA World Cup, when the eyes of the world are watching. When that moment comes, I want people everywhere to see the truth—to understand the brutality of the Islamic regime and the reality that children are being targeted.”

“This is about making sure their stories are seen, remembered, and impossible to ignore,” Khalili concluded.

Khalili, born in Tehran in 1974, is an Iranian-American artist, filmmaker, and human rights advocate recognized for creating large-scale murals supporting Iranian demonstrators and drawing attention to human rights violations. Raised in California, he has contributed to film, radio, and public art initiatives throughout Israel and the United States.

President Donald Trump issued a severe threat to Iran on Monday, declaring the nation would face total annihilation if it launches attacks against American naval forces, as regional tensions continue to escalate in the Persian Gulf waters.

During an interview with Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump described Iran as having become “much more malleable” during peace talks while emphasizing America’s military preparedness.

“We have more weapons and ammunition at a much higher grade than we had before,” President Trump said. “We have the best equipment. We have stuff all over the world. We have these bases all over the world. They’re all stocked up with equipment. We can use all of that stuff, and we will, if we need it.”

Military officials from US Central Command clarified Monday that reports suggesting Iran had attacked an American warship in the Strait of Hormuz area were false. “The truth is, no US military vessel has been attacked,” the command stated in a social media post.

However, Iranian forces did target oil infrastructure in Fujairah within the United Arab Emirates on Monday, resulting in injuries to three Indian nationals, according to Fujairah’s media office. UAE defense systems successfully intercepted three incoming missiles that day, while a fourth projectile fell into ocean waters.

These attacks followed what officials characterized as Iranian aggression against both the United Arab Emirates and Oman during Monday evening. Trump had previously declined Iran’s ceasefire overture just one day before these incidents.

A high-ranking Israel Defense Forces official confirmed that Israel has maintained its current civilian protection guidelines. “The IDF is following the situation and is at a high level of readiness,” the official said. “We emphasize that there are no changes to the home front rules.”

The military leader added that Israel’s defensive stance remains consistent. “Our air defense systems and attack capabilities are prepared at a high level, which is something that has not changed since the ceasefire decision.”

Israeli security experts indicated that Persian Gulf tensions have reached critical levels, cautioning that even a minor incident or miscommunication could shatter the current ceasefire arrangement with Iran’s government and reignite hostilities, according to reports from Walla.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ignited a political firestorm Tuesday when he declared during a 103FM radio interview that creating a coalition government with United Arab List leader Mansour Abbas would be more damaging than the October 7 terrorist attack.

During the broadcast, Smotrich characterized the October 7 assault as a catastrophic security breakdown while describing potential political cooperation with Abbas as a deliberate betrayal. “The October 7 massacre is a horrific and terrible failure, but it is a tactical failure,” Smotrich stated. He went on to claim that bringing Abbas into government would be “a thousand times worse than the most terrible failure,” calling such a move an intentional choice.

When pressed by the interviewer about his controversial comparison—referencing the attack that claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages—Smotrich defended his position. “Do you want to make a competition in disasters?” he responded. “You asked me as a politician what is more severe in my view. A politician who lied, betrayed his values, and carried out a targeted strike against democracy–that is far more severe.”

The finance minister also directed criticism toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, maintaining his longstanding opposition to the premier’s leadership. “I have had criticism of Netanyahu for years, and I do not remove responsibility from him,” Smotrich declared.

Regarding the current conflict, Smotrich outlined his vision for ending the war with Hamas completely eliminated from Gaza. He also voiced backing for territorial expansion into Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Judea and Samaria.

Political opponents quickly condemned Smotrich’s statements. Yashar party chief Gadi Eisenkot accused the finance minister of exploiting the October 7 tragedy as a “tool in the shameless campaign” to minimize accountability for security failures. “The biggest failure in our history is an indelible stain,” Eisenkot responded.

Yair Golan interpreted Smotrich’s remarks as suggesting that “a massacre of Israelis is better than a government that doesn’t include him.”

Following the backlash, Smotrich issued a clarification claiming his words had been “distorted,” insisting he was merely comparing different political decisions. He acknowledged the October 7 attack as “one of the most terrible we have known since the Holocaust.”