Finland: government and Defense Minister pass two votes of confidence

The Finnish government and its Defense Minister, Antti Häkkänen, survived two confidence votes in Parliament following a visit to Israel, which was criticized by opposition parties. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) filed a censure motion against the government, and another against Häkkänen, citing the lack of meetings with Palestinian representatives. Häkkänen met with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss military acquisitions, including the David's Fronde missile defense system, after a weapons contract was signed in November 2023. Opposition critics also questioned whether Häkkänen addressed violations of international law by Israel during his visit.