An Israeli far-right minister stirs controversy in Jerusalem, Yemenis hope 2023 will be as calm as 2022, and Ronaldo is welcomed in style in Saudi Arabia. Here’s your round-up, written by Abubakr Al-Shamahi, Al Jazeera Digital’s Middle East and North Africa editor.
Itamar Ben-Gvir has gone from being a frightening but fringe far-right activist in Israel, to being a frightening and powerful far-right government minister. Along the way, he’s maintained his supremacist beliefs, and his appetite for provocation. On Tuesday, Israel’s latest national security minister appeared to set the tone for the new government, sworn in last week, when he ignored many warnings and marched into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. His act of defiance led to intense anger from Palestinians, as well as widespread regional and international condemnation.
