By Mick Krever and Kareem Khadder, CNN Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Khan Younis (CNN) — Chaotic scenes surrounding the release of Israeli and Thai hostages in Gaza on Thursday brought condemnation from Israeli leaders and a temporary delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners,

The first stage of a cease-fire deal between Hamas and the Israeli government has gone into effect, but there is still no guarantee the remaining phases of the deal will be completed, leading to a permanent cease-fire.

The post US envoy Steve Witkoff meets Smotrich, Deri and Dermer in Jerusalem appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Recruiting currently exempt ultra-Orthodox men is 'an existential national security necessity,' minister declares; Haredi party members seek to downplay threat to tank coalition The post After Shas ultimatum,

Far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich had threatened to quit the government if it did not return to fighting at the end of the six-week ceasefire.

"There are more than 1.5 million people who have grown up for generations with hate for Israel and antisemitism," the Israeli finance minister told JNS.

Far-right finance minster says he is working on an 'operational plan' to turn idea into actionable policy; Otzma Yehudit leader says mass emigration is the 'humanitarian answer' The post Smotrich and Ben Gvir rally behind Trump’s Gaza emigration idea appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The post Smotrich delays return to Knesset as an MK amid right-wing maneuvers appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has withdrawn a threat to quit the government if Israel does not return to fighting in Gaza, several Israeli news sites reported on Monday.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Monday that he is collaborating with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on an action plan to implement US President Donald Trump's plan for resettling Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan.

The post Coalition denies Netanyahu-Ben Gvir, Smotrich deal to preserve right-wing hold on judicial committee appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Mediator Qatar announced early Monday that an agreement has been reached to release an Israeli civilian hostage and allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, easing the first major crisis of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.