05/31/12

* Israel hints it launched new cyber attack on Iran: We are 'blessed with top level high-tech' Israel has been linked to a virus attack on Iran's energy infrastructure.

* Iran unveils self-made satellite navigation system Iranian news agency Mehr quotes county's space program chief as saying he hoped one day the Nasir 1 system would be fitted on Iran-made on spacecrafts.

* Netanyahu to Abbas: 'Give Peace a Chance' Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said he believes his 94-seat super-coalition is a historic opportunity.

* Ban: Syria Massacres could Ignite Civil War The massacre of civilians of the sort seen last weekend could plunge Syria into a catastrophic civil war.

* Congressional request to define Palestinian refugees lands Obama in hot water A simple congressional request for the United States to distinguish between Palestinians displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict and millions of their descendants poses a high-stakes diplomatic and political challenge for President Barack Obama.

* Rights group: Russia arms shipment sent to Syria A Russian cargo ship that Western officials say was heavily laden with weapons for the government of Syria docked at the Syrian port of Tartus last weekend.

* Splashdown for SpaceX Dragon spacecraft The American SpaceX company's Dragon cargo capsule has splashed down in the ocean off the California coast.

* Israel returns the remains of Palestinian bodies Israel has handed over to the Palestinian Authority the remains of 91 Palestinians who died carrying out attacks against Israel.

* Saudi Scholar Puts Out Hit on Assad A Saudi scholar has offered a $450,000 reward for assassinating Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

* Hungarian minister says No to EU 'empire-building' A Hungarian minister has accused the EU of trying to over-extend its power amid the financial crisis.

05/30/12

* Barak Suggests Unilateral Disengagement in Judea, Samaria Defense Minister Ehud Barak suggested Wednesday in a speech to the annual conference of the Institute for National Security Studies that Israel consider a unilateral disengagement from Judea and Samaria.

* UN confirms new killings in Syria days after Houla The men's bodies were found near the eastern city of Deir al-Zour, with their hands tied behind their backs, some apparently shot in the head.

* Power Ranger Samurai Sparks Outrage in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabians have expressed outrage over a McDonald's toy which, they say, mocks the Prophet Muhammad.

* Ahmadinejad: Iran 'not afraid' of Israeli strike Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he is "not afraid" of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear programs.

* Iraq's PM warns Arab states may face 'water war' At a conference in Baghdad, he urged countries to work together in order to prevent conflict in the arid region.

* Dennis Ross: Saudi king vowed to obtain nuclear bomb after Iran Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has explicitly warned the U.S. that if Iran obtains nuclear weapons, Saudi Arabia will seek to do so as well.

* Diplomats: Syria set for UN grilling over massacre The UN Human Rights Council will hold a special session on Syria this Friday.

* Russia 'categorically against' Syria intervention Russia "categorically" opposed foreign intervention in Syria.

* Spain fears drive investors to safe havens Investors have moved into safe haven investments, including US and German government bonds.

* Allah Will 'Bring Down' America's Skyscrapers: Horrific New Farrakhan Audio Praising Sharia Law and Threatening 'Death' Unless 'America Submits' In speaking to his "Arab brothers," Farrakhan said that they should not kill their children who shame them.

05/29/12

* Riots Follow 'New Democracy' in Egypt Scenes of last year's anti-Mubarak uprising returned to Cairo's Tahrir Square Monday as thousands rioted.

* Secret 'Kill List' Proves a Test of Obama's Principles and Will This was the enemy, served up in the latest chart from the intelligence agencies: 15 Qaeda suspects in Yemen with Western ties.

* Houla deaths: Western states to expel Syrian diplomats The United States, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, Australia and the Netherlands all took action against Syria's envoys.

* Shin Bet uncovers prisoner plot to kidnap Israelis The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has uncovered a plot by jailed Palestinians to kidnap an Israeli citizen.

* Ya'alon hints at Israeli role in 'Flame' virus Vice Premier Moshe Ya'alon on Tuesday said that "whoever sees the Iranian threat as a serious threat would be likely to take different steps, including these, in order to hurt them."

* US Cuts Mideast Military Drill Short A massive joint military drill sponsored by the United States with several Mideast nations - that did not include Israel - has suddenly been canceled.

* House to examine plan for United Nations to regulate the Internet House lawmakers will consider an international proposal next week to give the United Nations more control over the Internet.

* Langfan Three Dimensional Kits Make Israel's Case Crystal Clear Mark Langfan, a successful New York attorney and staunch supporter of Israel, came to the conclusion one day that the truth about Israel must become accessible and easily understood.

* Iran's Ahmadinejad urges unity against 'evil' Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad urged the country's newly-elected parliament on Sunday to stand with him against "evil ones" who he says have encircled the nation.

* US warns of military option in Syria Aemerica's top military officer has warned Syria it might face armed intervention as international outrage grows over the massacre of women and children by tanks and artillery in the central town of Houla.

5/28/12

* Syria massacre: Rebels share blame, says Russia's Lavrov Rebels in Syria are partly responsible for the massacre of more than 100 people in the Houla region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says.

* Report: 'Broad spectrum' of Iran leaders talk of destroying Israel in 'near term'  Iran envisions the imminent destruction of Israel, perhaps in a nuclear strike by Teheran, a report said.

* Egypt poll: Islamist Mursi and ex-PM Shafiq in run-off An Islamist candidate and a Hosni Mubarak-era politician will contest a presidential run-off in June, Egypt's election commission has confirmed.

* Palestinian rivals begin stalled unity gov't talks Fatah and Hamas discuss interim, technocrat government in renewed effort to resolve rifts between the two; Gaza voters can register immediately, says Hamas deputy PM Awad.

* 'Orgy of Vendettas' Fuels Vatican Scandal A scandal over leaked documents at the Vatican has taken a melodramatic turn as the Holy See's dirty laundry is aired for the world.

* Flame: Massive cyber-attack discovered, researchers say A complex targeted cyber-attack that collected private data from countries such as Israel and Iran has been uncovered, researchers have said.

* Web War II: What a future cyberwar will look like How might the blitzkrieg of the future arrive? By air strike? An invading army? In a terrorist's suitcase? In fact it could be coming down the line to a computer near you.

* Bilderberg power masters meet in the US Every time a Bilderberg Meeting takes place, important things happen. 

* Google Privacy Inquiries Get Little Cooperation After months of negotiation, Johannes Caspar, a German data protection official, forced Google to show him exactly what its Street View cars had been collecting from potentially millions of his fellow citizens.

* Israel shores up border security, North and South Israel has been mobilizing infantry troops for border security missions. 

5/26/12

* 'Iran has enough uranium for 5 bombs' Institute for Science and International Security, a US think tank, says that if the Islamic Republic keeps enriching uranium, it will have enough for five bombs.

* Syria crisis: Houla 'massacre leaves 90 dead' At least 90 people, including many children, have been killed in Syria's restive Homs province, opposition activists say, calling it a "massacre".

* Russian arms shipment en route to Syria: report A Russian cargo ship loaded with weapons is en route to Syria and due to arrive at a Syrian port this weekend

* Mursi and Shafiq go to Egypt poll run-off - media Egyptians will choose between the Muslim Brotherhood and a candidate from the Mubarak-era regime when the presidential election goes to a run-off on 16-17 June, state media confirm.

* Iran talks end in harsh lesson for west Over the past few weeks, there has been growing optimism in western capitals that Iran might be forced into a compromise over its nuclear programme and avoid a war with Israel and the US.

* Chag Sameach: The Torah's Holiday Starts Saturday Night he Jewish holiday of Shavuot is set to begin Saturday night adjoining the Sabbath - lasting for its one Biblical day (from sunset to the next sunset) in Israel, and two days in the rest of the world.

* Iraqi president calls for dialogue to solve crisis Iraq's president on Saturday urged the nation's bickering factions to resolve the bitter political dispute that has gripped the government for nearly six months, warning that the crisis threatens to split the country.

* Reporter's Notebook: Studying Bible with Bibi There is something both heartening and humorous about Netanyahu setting aside precious time to contemplate Ruth on Shavuot.

* IDF Artillery Challenges 'Similar to Those in Iraq' Chief Artillery Officer: "The legitimacy of our firing on Gaza is accepted with much more understanding today."

* No gaps exist between the U.S. and Israel on Iran nuclear program, says official Senior official involved in Baghdad talks says U.S. is pressuring Iran because it perceives it  

05/25/12

* Reporter's Notebook: Studying Bible with Bibi There is something both heartening and humorous about Netanyahu setting aside precious time to contemplate Ruth on Shavuot.

* Netanyahu tops JPost's list of influential Jews Even during their long sojourn in exile, the Jews left an indelible imprint on the world.

* Brotherhood, Mubarak's last PM set for run-off A Muslim Brotherhood official said on Friday the group's candidate in the first free presidential election in Egypt would enter a run-off vote next month.

* Nasrallah: Fences Won't Ensure Israel's Existence Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened Israel on Friday, saying the Jewish State is hiding behind walls and fences.

* IAEA: Iran boosting sensitive nuclear capacity Iran has raised its potential capacity to make sensitive nuclear material by installing hundreds more uranium enrichment machines at an underground site.

* Station grabs SpaceX Dragon ship Astronauts onboard the platform used its robotic arm to grasp the vehicle and attach it to a berthing port.

* Sleepless in Jerusalem Egypt's first round of presidential voting wrapped up on Thursday with the crop of viable candidates down to just a handful.

* Russia's Putin to visit Israel in June Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Israel at the end of June.

* This WEEK in the European Union Ireland will vote on the fiscal compact treaty on Thursday (31 May) amid a strong debate in the country about the exact consequences of a No.

* Syrian rebels tried to kill Assad's top aides, Israeli officials confirm Israel has reliable information showing that despite Syria's official denials, an attempt was made to assassinate several top regime officials.

05/24/12

* Iran rejects West's proposal on nuclear curbs Iranian negotiators on Thursday rejected proposals by six world powers to curb Tehran's nuclear program.

* UN: Syrian government, opposition both guilty of war crimes Syrian government forces and anti-government armed groups are both carrying out unlawful killings, torturing opponents and abusing children in the 15-month-old uprising.

* Egypt's open presidential race polarizes nation Egypt's wide-open presidential election, which was in its second day of voting Thursday, is showing how deeply polarized the nation has become.

* Abbas renews threat to take statehood bid to UN Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday renewed his threat to unilaterally seek UN recognition of a Palestinian state.

* Egyptians queue to cast ballots in presidential poll Queues were reported at some polling stations, and media reports said turnout was higher than on Wednesday.

* EU plans to speed up closer union to save euro A top EU official is launching a plan to rescue the eurozone by binding its 17 nations closer together.

* Israelis from FSU very connected to Judaism The million or so immigrants that came to Israel former Soviet Union during the 1990s have sometimes been accused of having tenuous ties to Judaism.

* 'We face a fight for the future of the web,' says Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt One of Google's most senior executives issued a stark warning tonight that the power of the internet to free some of the world's most oppressed people risks being overturned by autocratic governments who seek to "Balkanise" the web by controlling what can be accessed.

* Iran: Discovery will collapse Christianity Iran's Basij Press is claiming that a version of the Gospel of Barnabas, found in 2000, will prove that Islam is the final and righteous religion.

* Groups Concerned Over Arming Of Domestic Drones With the use of domestic drones increasing, concern has not just come up over privacy issues, but also over the potential use of lethal force by the unmanned aircraft.

05/23/12

* Egyptians vote in landmark presidential election Fifty million people are eligible to vote, and large queues have formed at some polling stations.

* Iran nuclear talks open in Baghdad Six world powers have begun a fresh round of talks with Iran about its controversial nuclear program.

* Russia tests 'fifth generation' missile that can penetrate Nato defence system The highly-symbolic launch came just days after alliance formally activated the first stage of a missile defence shield.

* Somali, AU troops close in on Islamist stronghold African Union and Somali government troops have made "strong progress" in a push towards an Islamist Shebab stronghold.

* Shin Bet uncovers Palestinian cells in Hebron The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has uncovered a number of Palestinian terror cells operating in the Hebron area and planning a series of attacks.

* Archaeologists find first proof of ancient Bethlehem Archaeologists recently discovered the first artifact constituting tangible evidence of the existence of the ancient city of Bethlehem, which is mentioned in the Torah.

* Turkey indicts Israeli commanders over ship raid A Turkish prosecutor has prepared an indictment seeking life sentences for four former Israeli military commanders.

* France to challenge EU's austerity agenda in Brussels Francois Hollande said before the talks he wanted everything on the table, including sharing debt via eurobonds.

* Israel steps up campaign to honor Munich victims Israel on Wednesday stepped up its campaign to hold a minute of silence for victims of the 1972 Munich massacre at the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

* Syria violence shakes Lebanon's fragile stability Gunmen clash in deadly street battles, protesters block roads with burning tires and opposition politicians demand the prime minister's downfall, denouncing the army as an agent of a foreign power.

05/22/12

* IDF to Use 'Tens of Thousands of Munitions' in Next War Hizbullah has ten times as many rockets as it did when the Second Lebanon War broke out, and Syria possesses hundreds of accurate missiles.

* Civilians set to control Egypt for first time in six decades This week's landmark presidential election should end six decades of effective military rule in Egypt.

* UN's Ban warns Syria at 'pivotal moment' UN chief Ban Ki-moon warned that the search for peace in Syria was at a "pivotal moment" and expressed strong concerns of an all-out civil war.

* Iraq seeks drones to protect oil facilities Iraq is seeking to acquire surveillance drones to help protect its oil pipelines and platforms, which are key to the country's economy.

* Netanyahu Takes Tough Line Ahead of Iran Talks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday hardened his rhetoric towards Iran saying "Iran threatens Israel and world peace."

* Visiting Temple Mount? Don't Move Police have reportedly issued new draconian instructions for non-Muslims who ascend to the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest site, which has been under Muslim occupation for centuries.

* Egypt Confirms Christians' Fears, Sentences 12 to Life in Jail Egypt has confirmed Christians' fear of Islamic rule and has sentenced 12 to life in jail for their part in warding off Muslim mobs last year.

* EU commission to outline plans for political union The European Commission has said it will soon bring forward plans for an economic and political union.

* Euro Crisis: Why a Greek Exit Could Be Much Worse than Expected At the Camp David G8 meeting last weekend, lip service was paid to keeping Greece in the euro zone.

* Nasa chief hails new era in space The Falcon rocket, topped by an unmanned Dragon freight capsule, lifted clear of its Florida pad at 03:44 EDT.

05/21/12

* Hamas, Fatah agree on timetable for Palestinian reconciliation If agreement signed in Cairo Sunday holds it may lead to Palestinian elections in six months time

* Netanyahu: Ceding Temple Mount will Lead to War "Israel without Jerusalem is like a body with a weak heart. Ceding religious sites will lead to religious war."

* Al-Qaeda attack on Yemen army parade causes carnage More than 90 people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a military parade rehearsal in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, defence ministry officials say.

* Air Force chief: Discussion on Iran strike is damaging Outgoing Israel Air Force chief Maj.-Gen. Ido Nehushtan calls discourse uninformed, unproductive; UN nuclear chief meets with senior Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss inspections.

* Ayalon to IOC: Refusal to Hold Minute of Silence 'Unacceptable' International Olympic Committee rejects plea to hold minute of silence in honor of the Israeli Olympic team murdered at 1972 Munich Games.

* PM: Our capital will never be divided Netanyahu speaks at Jerusalem Day ceremony, says "Israel without Jerusalem is like a body without a heart."

* IDF has a Problem: Too Many Hareidi Reservists Haredi reservists say IDF promised them that they would not serve outside haredi units, but it is not keeping its word.

* Putin to dominate new Russian government Russian President Vladimir Putin will unveil a government dominated by loyalists on Monday, leaving Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev limited scope to pursue his reform agenda and entrenching the Kremlin's grip over the economy's commanding heights.

* Secular or Islamist? Egypt chooses a president Wednesday’s elections and expected runoff are Arab Spring’s moment of truth, new chapter likely to be just as tumultuous

* Syrian Fires Make Beirut Boil Syria's ongoing unrest has ignited the worst violence in Beirut since the 2008 clashes that almost plunged Lebanon into civil war

05/19/12

* 'Jews plan to storm Temple Mount on J'lem Day' A leading Palestinian Muslim cleric has called on Palestinians to "be alert for possible infiltration of fanatic Jews" onto Jeruslaem's Temple Mount.

* Obama: G-8 leaders unified on Iran US President Barack Obama said Saturday that the leaders of the G8 are committed to continuing placing sanctions on Iran.

* Netanyahu skeptical Iran would end nuclear program Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is skeptical that Iran will agree to halt its nuclear program.

* 'Who may go up to the Mountain of God?' As points of religious contention go, the current status of the Temple Mount is one of the most potentially explosive issues for competing faiths anywhere in the world.

* Opposition to Iran going nuclear widespread throughout world Opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons is widespread around the world.

* 'Haniyeh: No future for Israel in Palestine' Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh told an international pro-Palestinian delegation on Friday that there is no future for Israel "on the land of Palestine."

* Pentagon Study Says China Military Getting Stronger China is pressing a long-range modernization of its military.

* Spain hit by downgrades amid Greek contagion fears Spain's economic woes deepened on Thursday (17 May) as 16 of its banks and four regions were downgraded.

* European Commission should be EU government, says Germany The European Union needs to become more integrated with a common finance policy and a central government.

05/18/12

* 'Who may go up to the Mountain of God?' As points of religious contention go, the current status of the Temple Mount is one of the most potentially explosive issues for competing faiths anywhere in the world.

* PM: No evidence Iran will end nuke program Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Friday dismissed a new surge of optimism in the international community that Iran might be prepared to halt its nuclear program.

* Facebook shares trading debut The Nasdaq stock exchange has said it is "experiencing delays" in the start of trading in Facebook shares, according to Bloomberg News.

* UN observers say they cannot help Syria without talks The head of a U.N. observer team in Syria cautioned Friday that the mission cannot achieve a permanent end to the violence without genuine talks.

* Plans to strike Iran ready, U.S. envoy to Israel says U.S. plans for a possible military strike on Iran are ready and the option is "fully available", the U.S. ambassador to Israel said.

* With Sarkozy Gone And Merkel Weakened, Turks Resume EU Entry Bid The elections in France ousted from power one of the leading opponents of Turkish accession to the European Union- Nicolas Sarkozy.

* Bible translated into Inuit language after 34-year Canadian project For the first time, the Bible and New Testament have been translated to an Inuit language.

* From blank slate to theme park, Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter still seeks an identity Most Israeli Jews would probably agree that the heart of Israel is Jerusalem, the heart of Jerusalem is the Old City, and the heart of the Old City is the Jewish Quarter.

* European Commission should be EU government, says Germany The European Union needs to become more integrated with a common finance policy and a central government.

* US to announce food security plan for Africa US President Barack Obama is set to announce a $3bn (£1.9bn) plan to boost food security and farm productivity in Africa.

05/17/12

* Iran attack decision nears, Israeli elite locks down A private door opens from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in central Jerusalem directly into a long, modestly furnished, half-paneled room.

* Iran to Hezbollah: Hands off Israel An Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander reportedly ordered Hezbollah not to attack Israel.

* TIME crowns Netanyahu as the 'king of Israel' TIME magazine has crowned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the 'king of Israel' in its cover story.

* Iranian Calls for 'Islamic Awakening' to Destroy Israel An Iranian official called this week for an 'Islamic Awakening' movement to help Palestinian Authority Arabs "demolish the Zionist regime".

* US Leads Major War Drill in Jordan - Israel Not Invited The United States is leading what it described as the "largest military exercises in the Middle East in 10 years" in Jordan on Tuesday.

* Israel ranked third behind Iran and Pakistan for 'negative influence' in BBC survey Israel, along with North Korea, ranks third behind only Iran and Pakistan in the latest annual Country Ratings Poll of the BBC World Service.

* Israel pushes for silent moment for Munich victims Israel on Thursday slammed the Olympic Committee for rejecting its proposal to hold a minute of silence in memory of the Israeli athletes murdered at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.

* Wanted Arafat advisor: PA funded Arab Israeli parties Mohammed Rashid, wanted by the Palestinian Authority for embezzling millions, says PA funded Arab parties in Israel during general elections.

* Spain into recession amid fears of eurozone bank run Spain tumbled into recession and European stock markets and the euro fell Thursday as Greece installed a crisis government to tackle its crippling debt.

* Israel becomes a target in Egypt's presidential vote Israel has become a punchbag for politicians vying for votes in Egypt's presidential race.

05/16/12

* Iran installs more centrifuges pre-Baghdad talks Iran is installing more centrifuges in an underground plant but does not yet appear to be using them to expand higher-grade uranium enrichment.

* Muslim Brotherhood's Dream: Egypt to Elect Islamic Caliphate Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is hoping that when the polls open in nine days, voters will bring in the era of the Islamic Caliphate.

* Egypt's military chief hopes 'great leader' will emerge from presidential vote Egypt's military ruler said Wednesday he hopes that a "great leader" will emerge from the country's upcoming presidential election.

* Iran flouts UN sanctions, sends arms to Syria Syria remains the top destination for Iranian arms shipments in violation of a UN Security Council ban on weapons exports by the Islamic Republic.

* Greece on brink of collapse Europe's financial crisis lurched into a perilous new phase as dire predictions emerged of a collapse in Greece's economy.

* Greek Syriza leader Tsipras attacks EU and Merkel Mr Tsipras' Syriza bloc is predicted to come first in new elections called for 17 June.

* Israel Stages Mock Raids after Hizbullah Threat, says Lebanon Israeli war planes staged mocked raids over Lebanon following concerns Hizbullah might attack Israel if asked by Iran.

* MK equates 'Nakba' with Destruction of Temple Thousands of Arab-Israelis took part in an event marking "the catastrophe of the State of Israel's establishment" on Tuesday as part of "Nakba Day" events.

* The US military option for Iran is 'ready,' American ambassador to Israel says The United States has completed its planning for a military strike on Iran, the US Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro said.

* MK Eldad: PM Should Have Said 'Jordan is Palestine' MK Aryeh Eldad on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's letter to Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas in the Knesset plenum.

05/15/12

* Palestinians mark 'Nakba Day' Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, as well as pro-Palestinian supporters in other Arab nations, will mark "Nakba Day" Tuesday, marking the "catastrophe" of the inception of the State of Israel.

* King David's 3,025th Birthday Celebrated at New Museum A new museum in Tel Aviv – the Beit David Museum, dedicated to the House of David – offers two fun-filled free days honoring the holiday of Shavuot.

* Francois Hollande becomes France's new president He said he was aware of the challenges ahead, including the debt crisis, and vowed to "open a new path in Europe".

* Right-wing march to pass through East Jerusalem, despite past spats An upcoming Jerusalem Day flag procession organized by religious Zionist groups will march through the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.

* Turkey suspects bird of being Israeli spy Turkish authorities believe that they have found a bird used for espionage purposes by Israel.

* Islam Is a Problem, but Ignore It Americans believe Islam is in global conflict with the West, a Rasmussen poll reveals, but most think the US should ignore the Islamic world.

* Terrorists Begin Nakba Day with Kassam Rocket, Firebombs Arab terrorists attacked southern Israel with a Kassam rocket early Tuesday and attacked Jews in the Hevron area with two firebombs.

* Copts to shun Islamists in Egypt presidential vote Egypt's Coptic Christians complained of discrimination under former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak but fear it may get worse if an Islamist takes his place in next week's presidential election.

* Israel Watches Syrian Factions Battle in Lebanon Israeli defense personnel are watching closely as Syrian gunmen begin to carry their battle into Lebanese territory.

* EU castigates Israel over settlements, Palestinians EU foreign ministers on Monday issued a harsh critique of Israel, saying the gathering pace of settlement-building, settler extremism and ill-treatment of Palestinians threatens a two-state solution.

05/14/12

* Leading Egypt candidate calls 'racist' Israel a threat A leading Islamist candidate in Egypt's presidential election has branded Israel a "racist state" and said a shared 1979 peace treaty was "a national security threat" that should be revised.

* EU: Israel's policies in the West Bank endanger two-state solution Foreign Ministers list settler violence, settlement expansion and house demolitions as detrimental to peace process; Israel says report is biased and one-sided.

* Israel fears nuclear deal between Iran, world powers as Baghdad talks draw near Israel fears ‘intermediate agreement’ between Islamic Republic and world powers on May 23 could cancel option of military strike.

* 'First Gay President': Newsweek marks Obama's landmark announcement with controversial cover Magazine attempts to trump rival Time in battle for eye-catching image

* New IAF chief warns enemies not to test Israel Major-General Amir Eshel assumes command of the Israel Air Force, says military is ready for any possible scenario.

* Egypt brokers Palestinian hunger strike deal Palestinian source says Egypt concluded deal to resolve prisoner crisis, including Israeli acceptance of prisoners' demands.

* Light-powered bionic eye invented to help restore sight A retinal implant - or bionic eye - which is powered by light has been invented by scientists at Stanford University in California.

* Shares fall amid Greek political uncertainty Shares are down on both sides of the Atlantic as Greece's continuing political uncertainty undermines confidence.

* African-American Church Leaders Condemn Obama For Gay Marriage Support Just days after President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage, pastors and priests around Maryland took to their own pulpits with their reaction - and in some cases - condemnation of the president.

* Family Battle Offers Look Inside Lavish TV Ministry For 39 years, the Trinity Broadcasting Network has urged viewers to give generously and reap the Lord’s bounty in return.

05/12/12

* MEK: Tehran accelerating its nuclear program 'Jerusalem Post' obtains Iran opposition report, outlining various offices, companies, individuals working on Iran's nuke program.

* 5.3 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Israel 5.3 earthquake felt in areas from northern Israel to central Israel. No injuries. Epicenter believed to be in Cyprus.

* Obama Adds Definition Of Marriage To Presidential Debate After hesitating, Barack Obama gave his blessing to gay marriage. The polarized electorate just got more so.

* Egypt's Candidates Say They'll Review Peace Treaty with Israel Egypt's top presidential contenders promise to review the peace treaty Egypt signed with Israel in 1979 if elected.

* Talks ongoing to end Palestinian hunger strike, officials say Palestinian officials says Egypt is trying to mediate between hunger strikers and Israel; some 1,600 Palestinian prisoners are currently refusing to eat.

* EU central bankers ponder Greece euro exit Europe central bankers have been openly expressing views on the possibility of Greece leaving the eurozone as its leaders struggles to form a government.

* China denies preparing war over South China Sea shoal China has denied reports its military forces are preparing for war amid tensions over a disputed territory in the South China Sea.

* Nasrallah: Hezbollah able to strike anywhere in Israel Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah chief claims Lebanese militant group is capable of striking any target in Israel, including Tel Aviv.

* Syria violence kills eight even as UN mission grows Violence in Syria cost at least eight lives on Saturday even as a UN force to oversee a truce neared half its planned strength, monitors said, while an Islamist group claimed deadly blasts in Damascus.

* Iraq's Kurds deny hosting Mossad The government of Iraq's Kurdish region fired back on Saturday over allegations by Iranian diplomats and officials that Kurdistan was playing host to Israeli intelligence. 

05/11/12

* Security and Defense: The war between wars "The war between wars." This is the term that IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz uses to describe the covert operations that the military's special forces carry out during times of apparent quiet.

* Ashton hopes new talks will end Iran's nuke program The European Union's foreign policy chief said on Friday she hoped upcoming talks with Iran would form the basis for Tehran to eventually abandon its alleged nuclear weapons program.

* Arab World: Assad's Russian lifeline The port of Oktyabrsk is situated on the left bank of the Bug River, 58 km. north of the entry to the Black Sea.

* Earthquake rocks Israel An earthquake was felt across Israel on Friday evening. No injuries or damage were immediately reported.

* Egypt candidates vow to review Israel treaty Egyptian presidential hopefuls Amr Moussa and Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh traded barbs about their past in a debate.

* Obama gay marriage remarks spark debate among Israeli MKs, ministers Comments by U.S. President Barack Obama in support of same-sex marriage in an ABC News interview on Wednesday have sparked debate in among Israeli ministers and MKs, and also among U.S. Jewish groups.

* Israel Not Invited to NATO's Chicago Summit Israel will not be invited to NATO's May 20-21 summit in Chicago.

* Germany: eurozone would survive Greek exit German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble has said the eurozone would survive if Greece left it.

* EU, Iraq sign first-ever partnership deal The European Union and Iraq signed their first partnership agreement Friday.

* Obama makes it clear: He wants a secular, post-Christian, homosexual America President Obama has made it official: He now supports same-sex marriage.

05/10/12

* Obama's support for gay marriage splits US Barack Obama has been praised and criticised a day after he became the first sitting US president to publicly support gay marriage.

* Obama gay marriage support seen as world precedent President Barack Obama's announcement Wednesday that he supports gay marriage boosted the hopes of gay rights groups around the world.

* Spurred by Obama, MK files marriage equality bill Inspired by US President Barack Obama's declaration of support for same-sex marriages, MK Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) resubmitted his marriage equality bill.

* Syria unrest: Damascus 'suicide blasts' kill dozens Twin suicide car-bomb attacks have killed at least 55 people and wounded 372 in Damascus, Syrian officials say.

* Jerusalem Day March Back on Track The police gave official permission Wednesday to hold the annual Flagdance – "Rikudgalim" – march through Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day.

* US House votes to raise security ties with Israel The US House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that reaffirms and enhances US policy commitments to Israel's security.

* Russia President Putin will miss G8 Camp David summit Russian President Vladimir Putin has told US President Barack Obama that he will not attend the G8 summit in the US later this month.

* Maj. Gen. Amir Eshel becomes IAF Commander With an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities looming, the IAF has a new commander: Major General Amir Eshel.

* Israel's new submarines geared at tackling rising Mideast threats, from the sea With all the attention in recent days given to short-term political developments, an event with long-term implications for regional strategic balance almost escaped serious attention.

* Egypt forces seize missiles, grenade aunchers in Sinai raid Egyptian security forces seized near the Libyan border on Thursday dozens of heavy weapons allegedly bound for the Sinai Peninsula.

05/08/12

* Egypt Islamist vows global caliphate in Jerusalem Egypt's Islamists aim to install a global Islamic caliphate with its capital in Jerusalem, a radical Muslim preacher told thousands of Muslim Brotherhood supporters in a clip released Monday.

* Dinosaur gases 'warmed the Earth' British scientists have calculated the methane output of sauropods, including the species known as Brontosaurus.

* Israeli PM Netanyahu strikes surprise coalition deal Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has struck a deal with the opposition Kadima party, avoiding the early general election he had sought.

* Israel Warns Hizbullah Over Responding to Attack on Iran A senior Israeli military officer warned that any Hizbullah retaliation to an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities would prompt Israel to launch a war in Lebanon.

* Officials warn of Syrian civil war, 7 killed Security forces killed at least seven people in fighting across Syria on Tuesday.

* 'Egypt launches op to purge Sinai of terrorists' Security forces in Sinai arrest Egyptians and Palestinians linked to Hamas's armed wing, according to "Al Shorouk."

* 'Israel site of 10,000 cyber attacks a minute' Some 10,000 cyber attacks occur in Israel every minute.

* Google Earth Outs Hizbullah Bases Recently uploaded satellite images to Google Earth reveal what appears to be a Hizbullah terror training ground constructed after the 2006 Lebanon War.

* 3,000-year-old artifacts fuel Biblical archaeology debate Two rare 3,000-year-old models of ancient shrines were among artifacts presented by an Israeli archaeologist on Tuesday.

* French olim: Hollande bad for Jews Many French nationals in Israel were unhappy Monday with Paris' newly elected President Francois Hollande.

05/07/12

* Space weather expert has ominous forecast Mike Hapgood, who studies solar events, says the world isn't prepared for a truly damaging storm. And one could happen soon.

* Euro declines on French and Greek election results The euro fell against the dollar and the pound on Monday following weekend election results, which cast doubt on European austerity plans.

* Vladimir Putin inaugurated as Russian president Vladimir Putin has been inaugurated as president of Russia in a lavish ceremony in the capital, Moscow.

* Netanyahu announces September 4 election date Prime minister says a broad coalition will be formed to deal with Israel’s needs

* PA Flags Wave for Hollande; 'I Will Visit Israel' Palestinian Authority and Syrian flags were waved in a Paris celebration of Hollande's victory.

* This Week in History: Israel joins United Nations Despite the contentious relationship Israel has continuously had with the UN, its admission to the world body remains an important landmark.

* Bigger and brighter 'supermoon' graces the night sky A "supermoon" has graced the skies, appearing bigger and brighter than usual, as it comes closer to the Earth - and is likely to bring higher tides.

* Be afraid, exultant Greek neo-Nazis warn rivals Greek neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn warned rivals and reformers Sunday that "the time for fear has come" after exit polls showed them securing their entry in parliament for the first time in nearly 40 years.

* Syria holds parliamentary vote as violence rages Gov't touts elections as a milestone of political reform; opposition dismissed move as a facade masking widespread killing.

* US wants 'urgent' Iranian steps in nuclear talks EU says Tehran must suspend sensitive atomic activities; major powers set to meet in Baghdad in coming weeks.

05/05/12

* Police Block March to Temple Mount Jerusalem police have ruled that activists cannot hold a march to the Temple Mount this Sunday.

* Hundreds of Jordanians protest Israel peace deal Hundreds of Jordanians burned Israeli and US flags in Amman on Friday and called for the cancellation of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace accord.

* Putin returns to presidency in a changed Russia Vladimir Putin's return to the presidency on Monday will technically give him greater powers than he wielded as prime minister.

* Hundreds held after fierce Cairo clashes in which soldier killed Military prosecutors have detained over 300 Egyptian protesters following clashes outside the country's Defense Ministry.

* French election: Sarkozy and Hollande keep silence French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his challenger Francois Hollande are observing a mandatory election silence ahead of Sunday's run-off vote.

* Greek elections to usher in anti-bail-out parties Greece's two main parties are set for heavy losses in Sunday's (6 May) elections.

* Gloom builds for euro zone, United States In Europe, the purchasing managers indexes (PMIs), which primarily cover services, suggested a recession across the continent's currency union could now extend to mid-year and be deeper than previously thought.

* Some U.S. aid to Iraq bought 'protection' from militias, insurgents The United States has determined that hundreds of millions of dollars in government funding was relayed to militias in Iraq.

* Ex-IDF intelligence chief: A nuclear Iran more dangerous than military strike Former Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. (res.) Amos Yadlin said on Saturday that a nuclear Iran would be more dangerous than carrying out a military strike on Iran.

* Conservative factions dominate Iran's run-off elections Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, now out of favor with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suffered more setbacks in a run-off parliamentary election seen as a pointer for next year's presidential race.

05/04/12

* Netanyahu holding elections so he is free to deal with Iran in September-October Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is calling early elections so that he and his government will be free to deal with Iran's nuclear program this September-October.

* Egypt imposes curfew in Cairo amid violence Egypt's army imposed an overnight curfew around the defence ministry in Cairo on Friday.

* Russia Threatens Arms Race And Preemptive Strike Against ABMs I'm going to violate the first law of punditry by conceding that I don't get it when addressing Russia's moves on the eve of a crucial missile defense conference with NATO in Moscow.

* Israel's atomic arsenal could fall victim to a new U.S. nuclear policy On February 17, Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited the Hiroshima memorial for the victims of the first atomic bomb used on people in human history.

* Hundreds of Jordanians protest Israel peace deal Hundreds of Jordanians burned Israeli and US flags in Amman on Friday and called for the cancellation of the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace accord.

* EU PLOT TO SCRAP BRITAIN A covert group of EU foreign ministers has drawn up plans for merging the jobs currently done by Herman Van Rompuy.

* Sarkozy's chances fade two days before French runoff Opinion polls suggested Sarkozy could squeeze Socialist challenger Francois Hollande's lead down to around five percentage points from as much as 10 in the last few days.

* Johns Hopkins Astronomer Discovers How Black Holes Work Johns Hopkins is again at the center of groundbreaking research.

* Google Street View exposes secret Israeli base Classified details about a secret base in the Tel Aviv area have been exposed by Google Street View.

* IAEA: Access to Iran army site 'priority' in talks Gaining access to a key Iranian military facility will be the priority for the UN nuclear watchdog when it resumes talks with the Islamic state in mid-May.

05/03/12

* Russia warns on missile defence deal with Nato and US The warning came after the Russian defence minister said talks on missile defence were nearing a dead end.

* Al Qaeda Magazine Calls for Firebomb Campaign in US The men who launched al Qaeda's English-language magazine may have died in a U.S. missile strike last fall.

* Six army battalions called up under emergency orders to meet growing threat on Egypt, Syria borders The IDF has issued emergency call up orders to six reserve battalions in light of new dangers on the Egyptian and Syrian borders.

* Saudi Arabia warns Iran over Gulf islands, Bahrai Saudi Arabia repeated on Wednesday that it would not tolerate threats to the Gulf Arab states' sovereignty.

* Police Block March to Temple Mount Jerusalem police have ruled that activists cannot hold a march to the Temple Mount this Sunday.

* Abbas asks Blair to intervene on prisoners Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday asked Tony Blair, the Quartet Middle East envoy, to intervene on behalf of Palestinian prisoners.

* Syria uprising creates chemical weapons concerns With an uprising in Syria loosening the grip of president Bashar Assad, world powers are worried that he could lose control of a secret stockpile of chemical weapons.

* Israel gets fourth Dolphin-class submarine from Germany Israel received a fourth Dolphin submarine from Germany on Thursday.

* Despite Embargo, Iran and Syria Freely Import Weapons Despite a worldwide arms embargo, Iran has been able to import over a half billion dollars' worth of weapons over the past several years.

* Israeli PM Netanyahu 'set for easy poll win' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looks set to sail to an easy victory in early general elections likely to take place in September.

05/02/12

* Barack Obama pledges to 'finish the job' in Afghanistan Speaking a year after Osama Bin Laden's killing, Mr Obama thanked US troops and hailed plans to end combat operations.

* Taliban kill 7 in Afghan capital after Obama visit The Taliban struck back less than two hours after President Barack Obama left Afghanistan on Wednesday.

* U.S. pressing UN Human Rights Commissioner to put off West Bank settlements probe The Obama administration is trying to delay the establishment of a panel appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

* Jordan's King Abdullah warns against 'settlement' building in Jerusalem Jordan's King Abdullah criticized Israel on Wednesday for plans to build some 1,100 hotel rooms in the southern Jerusalem neighborhood of Givat Matos.

* Netanyahu's Likud moves to dissolve Knesset ahead of early Israel elections Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party submitted a bill to dissolve the Knesset on Wednesday.

* 'I Love Jews But Hate Israel' T-Shirt Sparks Controversy CafePress, the online retailer that sells custom made products, removed the "I Love Jews But Hate Israel" T-shirt from its site after the Simon Wiesenthal Center sent a letter to the company.

* Critic: Reputation of United Church Tarnished by Israel Boycotts In recent years, the United Church of Canada has been hijacked by a small group of anti-Israel activists.

* Israel's military censor to monitor Facebook, Twitter, blogs Israel's military launched a new system this week to monitor information on the Internet.

* Egypt army signals willingness to hand over power Egypt's military might hand over to civilian rule earlier than planned.

* Security Officials: Elections Won't Affect Iran Policy Senior security officials said Wednesday that early elections will have no impact on Israel's decision on whether to strike Iranian nuclear sites.

05/01/12

* Officials Watch for Terrorists With Body Bombs on US-Bound Planes With the anniversary of Osama bin Laden's death looming, American and European authorities told ABC News today that they fear al Qaeda may soon try to explode U.S.-bound aircraft with explosives hidden inside the bodies of terrorists.

* Syria violence 'leaves 30 dead' despite UN monitors At least 30 people have been killed in renewed violence in Syria on Tuesday despite a ceasefire, activists say.

* Obama's New Campaign Slogan "Forward!" Is a Hitler Youth Marching Tune Barack Obama's latest campaign slogan "Forward!" also happens to be a Nazi marching tune.

* New Obama slogan has long ties to Marxism, socialism The Obama campaign apparently didn't look backwards into history when selecting its new campaign slogan, "Forward" - a word with a long and rich association with European Marxism.

* May Day marches: Activists protest against austerity Labour activists have been holding marches and rallies in Europe and around the world to mark May Day, at a time of austerity and social unrest.

* Egypt foils Iranian plot to assassinate Saudi ambassador An attempt to kidnap and assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Cairo by a group of Iranians was thwarted on Tuesday.

* 'Turkey foiled Iranian terror plot against Israelis' The government downgraded its travel warning for Israelis heading to Turkey to the lowest of four possible levels Tuesday.

* Ancient seal found in Jerusalem A small stone seal at least 2,600 years old and bearing a Hebrew name has been found near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

* Pentagon report paints mixed picture of war in Afghanistan The U.S. military presented a mixed picture of the war in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

* Obama's War on Not Terrorism Is the War on Terror over? The Obama administration doesn't seem able to decide.